EP REVIEW: Ugly As Hell II – Uglier Than Hell – Wasted Death
Only a mere few months ago, gutter punk band WASTED DEATH released their debut EP, Ugly As Hell. The release attracted attention from fans of a variety of genres, all derived from the roots of punk, but with their own stylistic differences. The EP saw grindcore, hardcore, punk, noise, if it was ugly, you got it. Now the band, which consists of Wayne Adams (BIG LAD and PETBRICK (with Igor Cavalera)), Charlie Davis (BEGGAR) and Tom Brewins (USA NAILS), are planning on creating something just as disgusting a short distance down the line with Ugly As Hell II – Uglier Than Hell.
Like its predecessor, Ugly As Hell II – Uglier Than Hell is loud and in-your-face. Davis has had this ability within such a short time period to refine the style he was going for on the first round. The amusing situation here is that the refined sound is just a bit filthier, which is exactly what is wanted from WASTED DEATH. As he spits out the lyrics, particularly on Nothing I Want Less, there’s a sense of disgust in each syllable uttered, something that he achieved prior, but this time knowing he has to break down the barriers even more with this attempt.
One thing that is distinguishable on the EP is the raw force of energy that is belted out. It’s got an unsettling vibe about it, but one that draws you in and wraps around you, slowly suffocating you with the intensity – Brewins‘ quick-paced and heavy drumming on opening track Tomorrows Children Will Eat Algae is enough to convince you that the second round is not for the faint-hearted.
From the slower tempo tracks such as Telling People What To Wear to the ferocious venom in Extensively Vetted, WASTED DEATH have absolutely nailed the tone they have been going for. When people think gutter punk, noise, hardcore etc. a nose often gets turned up and the phrase ‘how can you listen to it?’ gets thrown out into the open, well, this is how. The trio have shown that there is a level of technicality that goes under-appreciated in these filthy genres and with the right blend of musicians understanding one another, and understanding of the sounds and emotion needed, it can appeal to an audience of more than you could imagine.
Ugly As Hell II – Uglier Than Hell is essentially the even uglier younger sibling that should have a paper bag over its head, but it wants to cause a bit more grief and pain in peoples lives so it keeps it off and bowls around like it owns the place. The EP’s predecessor weeded out some of the weaker listeners, now this is round two with the stronger contenders, call it a survival of the fittest if you wish. This is only going to get filthier, heavier and damn right uglier. WASTED DEATH aren’t here to mess around, unless it’s in absolute filth.
Rating: 7/10
Ugly As Hell II – Uglier Than Hell is out now via APF Records.
Follow WASTED DEATH on Bandcamp.
