So here we are again, this time with Australian self-styled ‘death metal brutes’, Gutless and their brand-new album High Impact Violence. Active since 2018, the quartet has issued a demo, a split release with Calfornia’s Mortal Wound, as well as a live album before signing to Dark Descent Records – and the latest release is pretty much a brutalizing affair from start to finish.
Not that I’m complaining. Hell, I like my death metal filthy. I want to feel Return of the Jedi’s Rancor crushing bones and spilling blood, ya hear? And this starts with the very first and title track. I mean, talk about a strong opener! Now I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hear some serious Cannibal Corpse vibes in the band’s music. But guess what? That’s fine, because these guys bring ‘da ruckus in spades! Check “Beyond the Catacombs” for proof positive of this.
Vocalist/guitarist Tom Caldwell sounds like he just did several shots of gasoline, and ya know what? Gimme more, I say! “Scalpel Obsession” shows Caldwell and guitarist Allan Stacey trading riffs to bring the roof down on some unsuspecting heads while they try to dig out. “Avalanche of Viscera” is one of those tunes that shows off the bass playing and drum chops of Joe Steele and Ollie Ballantyne respectively, much to this guy’s delight while “Galvanized” only reaffirms the bands commitment to brutality.
“Gore God” had to be my favorite because, at 2:59 in length it just felt succinct, to the point, and down to business, so well done! Closing us out is “Viral Infection” and the tune sounds like the band had a meat grinder available. Just top-notch stuff! I am a big fan of Gutless. And I am loving this High Impact Violence record, I really am. Can’t wait to see what their future holds; only wish there was a way to catch them live!
Standout Tracks: “Gore God”, “Scalpel Obsession “, “High Impact Violence”, “Viral Infection”.