When I received the promo for this release I had to make sure I was looking at the same band called, Rude, that released a killer debut album in 2014 called, “Soul Recall,” and a fearsome sophomore release back in 2017 called, “Remnants.” I thought this band fell off the face of the Earth, or maybe they decided to go explore the outer reaches of space with some Russian cosmonauts. Anyway, Rude is back with a brand new EP called, “Outer Reaches,” which is focused on providing listeners more unforgiving head slamming old school death metal.
Actually, the first time I heard any music from Rude was when I went to see Morbid Angel and they were one of the opening acts. I remember they put on a solid performance and I could tell right they were huge old school death metal fans. Like most old school death metal acts you can hear the Pestilence, Morbid Angel, Nocturnus, Obituary and all the others who wrote face ripping death metal that paved the way. I have always felt that Rude was not just another stereotypical old school death metal worship act, especially after I reviewed, “Soul Recall.” The musicianship and the ability to write gruesome sounding pieces of fiendish headbanging brutality never sounds simplistic, or painfully repetitive.
“Outer Reaches,” seems to pick up where the band left off on, “Remnants,” by continuing to explore science fiction themes and by also coming up with more bombastic sounding arrangements than the more straightforward style heard on the band’s debut album. Taking a page from death metal icons Pestilence, Rude incorporates instrumental tracks into the mix to give the album a very unique flow. Instead of song after song that all sounds the same, the band tries to present more dynamic arrangements full of casket crushing riffs and skillful lead guitar playing.
The opening of the album reminded me a lot of science fiction death metal greats Nocturnus by incorporating these haunting celestial sounds that are quickly followed by some sinister sounding guitar work. Vocalist and guitarist Yusef Wallace delivers the lyrics in such a raw and agonizing fashion which makes the music sound even more horrifying. “Chaos (Discarded),” was an appropriate opening track that really helped kick this EP off with a mighty punch to the gut. Forget getting choke slammed by the Undertaker, this band would put you through more than just a table with their raw and ruthless energy!
Throughout the album the band experiments with different tempos and ear shattering compositions, so you always feel like you are on the edge of your seat about to fall into the bloodthirsty abyss below. David Rodriguez, who is an unbelievably talented lead guitar player, skillfully shreds throughout this entire release. Also, the riffs Yusef and David hammer out on songs like, “Outer Reaches” and “Calamity from the Sky,” are extremely savage sounding. Credit also needs to be given to bassist Jason Gluck who has one of the most brilliant sounding bass tones and helps add to the galactic storm of old school death metal chaos. The band’s new drummer, Edward Andrade, is a tremendously talented player from behind the kit. Overall, this line-up seems to be firing on all cylinders, because there are no weak moments on the entire album.
From the opening track, “Chaos (Discarded),” until the final punishing piece of music titled, “Omega,” there is no stopping this band’s brutal and fearsome nature. “Outer Reaches,” is highly recommended for fans of merciless sounding old school death metal, especially those who enjoy raising hell and pissing their neighbors off by turning the volume up to the max. Rude knows how to make solid death metal and does not mess around by making an album with a symphony, or deciding to collaborate with some folk singer who sounds like a goat was forced to drink bleach. I just hope I will not have to wait four year for another Rude album!
Check out the song "Chaos (Discarded)" below:
“Outer Reaches” will released on cassette through Dawnbreed Records (European) and Headsplit Records (USA). Album will be released September 24th 2021. CD and Vinyl to come out later this year.
Rude Facebook:
"Chaos" Isn't that we humans are going through now on Earth right now.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the song, and great review.