Afterbirth – In But Not Of
Release Date: 20th October 2023
Label: Willowtip Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Metal, Slam, Progressive Death Metal.
FFO: Artificial Brain, Wormed, Faceless Burial, Tomb Mold.
Review By: Carlos Tirado
It’s safe to say that Four Dimensional Flesh was a standout surprise in the metal scene of 2020. Afterbirth delivered an exceptional experience that was both brutal and relentless, yet uniquely creative and refined. This band seamlessly combined their no-nonsense slam attack with progressive transitions, showcasing impressive musicianship. Afterbirth refuses to be mundane, constantly pushing boundaries beyond the typical blastbeat and breakdown formula. Now, as we dive into In But Not Of, the burning question is whether it can surpass its predecessor.
On my initial run-through, the album seemed somewhat uninspired, with an overwhelming aggression that left me a bit numb. However, I soon realized that Afterbirth continues their experimental journey, never settling in one place for too long. Some tracks are remarkably short, yet they hit like a freight train (Tightening The Screws, Autoerotic Amputation, or Vivisected Psychopomp, you have to love these titles!). If you appreciate your death metal with a groove, Afterbirth will shatter your expectations and remind you that change is the name of the game. While In But Not Of isn’t lengthy, it may take a few listens to fully digest its complexity. It may be challenging to determine if it’s superior or inferior to Four Dimensional Flesh, but it’s undeniably captivating and thought-provoking.
Sonically, the album excels with its organic sound, particularly the drums. At a time when many drum tracks sound generic, Afterbirth‘s distinctive drum work captures the essence of the sheer brutality we’re experiencing. Nevertheless, the other instruments shine as well, displaying tasteful diversity and pure enjoyment. The only band that comes close to Afterbirth‘s sound is perhaps Artificial Brain, another unique project worth exploring. Aside from that, this peculiar blend of Prog/Slam has few comparisons, which is a testament to Afterbirth‘s originality.
If I were to nitpick, it would be about the vocal style. While potent and grotesque in a good way, I would have welcomed more experimentation in this department. While there are hints of variation throughout the album, they are relatively sparse. I find myself craving something wilder, simply because these musicians are exceptionally talented, and I trust they can pull it off. However, for some listeners, this might be the Five-Dimensional Flesh and appear too safe for the band, which adds a touch of irony.
This year, we’ve witnessed a revival of Prog/Old-school Death metal, with bands like Horrendous and Tomb Mold pushing their sound to new heights. Afterbirth joins the ranks of crusty Death metal bands that effortlessly blend various musical styles into their writing. While others have ventured down this path before, we now have a well-defined and consolidated sound. In a way, it’s a full-circle moment reminiscent of Death’s catalogue progression. It’s heartening to witness how the best elements endure and are reinvented to become more ferocious, faster, and more intricate than ever before.
(4 / 5)
