Review: Rotten Sound’s Apocalypse is a Pummeling Fist of Grindcore to the Senses
Rotten Sound’s Apocalypse, out now via Season of Mist, is a relentless assault on the senses. The Finnish grindcore veterans have been at it for over 30 years now, and they show no signs of slowing down. Apocalypse is their eighth full-length album, and it’s their most focused and aggressive release in years.
The album opens with the title track, a blistering, two-minute blast of pure grindcore fury. The guitars are razor-sharp; the drums are pummeling, and the vocals are a guttural, unintelligible roar. It’s a perfect introduction to what’s to come on the rest of the album.
Rotten Sound don’t let up for a second on Apocalypse. Every song is a short, sharp burst of aggression. There are no filler tracks here; every song is essential. The band’s trademark sound is on full display, with their signature mix of grindcore, death metal, and hardcore punk.
The lyrics on Apocalypse are as bleak and nihilistic as the music. The band vocalize about the state of the world, the environment, and the human condition. It’s not exactly uplifting stuff, but it’s honest and it’s powerful, as it should be.
Apocalypse is a must-listen for those who have been following the band. It’s a brutal, unrelenting album that will leave you breathless. If you’re looking for something to make you angry, this is it. But if you’re looking for something to make you think, this is it, too. Rotten Sound have crafted a masterpiece of modern grindcore with Apocalypse.
The record is a little longer than most Rotten Sound offerings, clocking in at over 30 minutes and with a few slower songs, but all the tracks on the album hold up. The title track and “Fight Back” are two of the standout tracks on the release, and I’ve already added them to all of my playlists.
Overall, I really enjoyed Apocalypse. It’s a great album from a great band, and shows that they still have what it takes this far into their career.
Rotten Sound’s Apocalypse was released on March 31 and is currently available.
