THE ROTTED „“Get Dead or Die Trying””

Music: Death Metal/Grind
Country: United Kingdom
Web site: www.myspace.com/therotted


Cool Songs: Nothin’ But a NoseBleed, Angel of Meth, 28 Days Later, It’s Like There’s a Party In My Mouth (And Everyone’s Being Sick)

U.K.-based death/grind act THE ROTTED previously released “Only Tools and Corpse” and “A New Dawn for the Dead” under Metal Blade records. Before signing to Metal Blade, they issued a split album with GRUESOME STUFF RELISH and their debut full length “Mutilated in Minutes.” All these albums came under the guise of GOREROTTED. Just a couple months ago, GOREROTTED changed their name to THE ROTTED. “Get Dead or Die” is the first album to come under the moniker of THE ROTTED.

THE ROTTED’s style echoes legendary grind acts from their native land such as NAPALM DEATH and EXTREME NOISE TERROR. Guitarist John Pyres (who also played in CHRISTIAN DEATH and CRADLE OF FILTH) probably mastered the art of punk-fueled grind rhythms during his time with EXTREME NOISE TERROR. “Nothing But a Nosebleed” begins the album in whirlwind of blasting drums, barking vocals, screams, and no-frills, straight-forward guitar speed—elements one would expect from a grind/death band. Simple, bar chorded riffs pop up occasionally during moments such as the chorus during “The Howling” (the greatest werewolf movie ever) and throughout the course of “The Angel of Meth.”

“Get Dead or Die Trying” offers much to death and grind fans who prefer sound-barrier threatening speeds, but THE ROTTED is not one of those bands with their feet stuck on the accelerator. Most of the tracks feature a variety of paces to temper their hyper velocities. “Fear and Loathing in Old London Town” includes mid-paced stomps and grinding guitars. “Kissing You with My Fist” and the title track shows the group alternating drum/guitar tandems with Wilson’s technical bass playing. His audible bass lines are a major facet of the band’s sound.

The reverberated, aquatic-like guitar on the instrumental “A Brief Moment of Regret” brings a peaceful tone to the chaotic smash-and-bash movement of the album. THE ROTTED closes with another instrumental “28 Days Later.” This version adheres to the ominous, creeping tone of the original score, while slightly beefing up the drums and guitar.

“Get Dead or Die Trying” is not your average death/grind album. Although violent rhythms seemingly fueled by the spirit of “Meth” are abound, THE ROTTED pays a keen eye to composition, and even throws in a few surprises like the album’s two instrumentals. The band’s knack for creating shout-along hooks makes for a fun and memorable listen. THE ROTTED’s clever puns instills a black humor to the album (“Angel of Meth,” “Get Dead or Die Trying,” “A Return to Insolence”), further raising the memorable factor. All these qualities may bring a crossover appeal to this album that most death metal bands simply cannot achieve!

note: 8/10

Tracklist

1. Nothin' but a Nosebleed
2. The Howling
3. A Return to Insolence
4. Kissing You With My Fists
5. Angel of Meth
6. A Brief Moment of Regret
7. The Body Tree
8. Get Dead or Die Trying
9. It's Like There's a Party in My Mouth (and Everyone's Being Sick)
10. Fear and Loathing in Old London Town
11. 28 Days Later
Total playing time 38:21

Line-up

Ben McCrow – Vocals
Tim Carley – Guitar
Nate Gould – Drums
John Pyres – Guitars
Phil Wilson-Bass