Surgikill "Sanguinary Revelations"


Appearances can be deceptive.  Anyone looking at the logo of Surgikill with it's bold red and black font and sharp angular lettering - coupled with that awesome artwork - will straight away have them down as purveyors of the ever swelling retro thrash genre that we all hear so much about.  The fact is though despite thrash being a big part of the sound, what you end up with in reality is a kind of hybrid death/thrash sound with a firm nod towards grindcore for good measure.

First of all the facts.  Surgikill are spearheaded by former Impetigo vocalist Stevo de Caixao and are completed by current members of various other extreme metal acts that successfully lay down a promising and lively debut.  Formed in 2015 they put out a promo last year that showcased two of the tracks on this release.

There's certainly energy here and that coupled with the fetid and dank undertones that frequent the lyrical content make for an interesting listen.  There's something here for any fan of extreme metal across the ten tracks on offer.  Whether it is the frenzied pace of Repulsion, the heaviness of Finnish and Swedish DM, or even the murky Autopsy-esque atmosphere that permeates this record, you are certainly in for a variety of influences.

It will take a few listens to let it bed in properly with the lugholes.  It is not as instantaneous as first impressions might suggest.  Through what seems like an obvious and simple blue print shines through a much more well orchestrated plan.  The format may be obvious but the devil isn't always in the detail.  I don't remember all of "Sanguinary Revelations" but the bits I do remember stay with me for days afterwards and they - in the main - are the simple arrangements that are delivered with such savagery that they are almost impossible to forget.  Take the thrashing fury of "Black Angel Assassin" for example that will have you spazzing around your house like a full on 'tard for the entire three minutes plus that it occupies your existence.

Criticisms?  I don't really have any to be honest.  It wears influences on it's sleeves just like Gruesome do and also as with aforementioned band they deliver that particular nostalgia trip with minimal effort whilst managing to sound authentic and capable.  It's fun to listen to, working as a sit down and focus on nothing else scenario as well as solid background music to slaughter kidnap victims to.  Fun, wins (again)!

4/5

Links
Hells Headbangers - Surigkill



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