Necrot – Lifeless Birth (Tankcrimes)
Monday, 15th April 2024
The Bay Area may be well known for its active thrash scene, but there is also quite a potent death metal movement brewing about – especially when you look at the development of Oakland’s Necrot. Forming in 2011, they slugged through the underground releasing a series of demos and now two full-length albums that have established quite a presence for quality, ripping efforts – beyond their road dog mentality to reach as many people as possible. Which brings us to the always important third record – often one that elevates bands to that premiere level, or relegates them to a steady, but mid-level card status.
One of the first things I noticed with Necrot’s new album Lifeless Birth is the overwhelming number of good old-fashioned hellacious riffs. Definitely a sure-fire way to this reviewer’s heart. Right from the jump, the band hits you over the head with a double whammy of opener “Cut the Chord” and the title track. It’s almost like their intention is to send folks to the traumatic brain injury unit! Next up is “Superior” which comes in with all the subtlety of a chainsaw, making it an instant favorite for me. Next up is my other favorite -with a title like “Drill the Skull” how could it not be?
“Winds of Hell” is like a whirling dervish with some fiery vocals to boot. Closing things out is the eight minute and change epic “The Closer” and it wraps the record up in a neat little bow, making you want to go back for more spins. The record Lifeless Birth is out now via Tankcrimes, so pick yours up wherever you buy your music.
Standout Tracks: “The Closer”, “Superior”, “Drill the Skull”
