Quite prolific in the last few years in terms of singles and EPs, while making a name for themselves in the live setting as a visceral entity, PeelingFlesh make the step up for their first full-length with The G Code, a statement of intent for their self-described “Slamming Gansta Groove,” to present to the brutal death metal crowd. The fusion of elements of slamming brutal death metal, hardcore, and tapping in elements of hip hop isn’t something you’ll find every day, and the band makes sure to capitalize on that to offer up a relentless beatdown.
To get it out of the way early, The G Code is a niche album that will probably be a love it or hate it experience. The band is over the top, no question about it. The slamming and brutal death metal elements are downright barbaric and ignorant (meant in the best possible way). It’s what you will expect, but it hits like a freight train. The slamming riffs are intense and will ensure your body moves, the drumming is ‘tin-can snare’ heavy, and the vocals of Damonteal Harris are inhuman and hit those low gutturals with presence and ease. The injection of a more immediate hardcore beatdown mentality gives it a more visceral appeal, and the best example of that is the title track, which features Alex and Steve from Despised Icon as well in an assault that grooves as strongly as it slams. The one-two punch of “Barbarianism” and “The Fuckening” operates more in a hardcore aesthetic of getting in and out while causing as much destruction as possible in a to-the-point manner that old school slam fans will appreciate.
Much of this is because while the brutality is familiar, it’s spliced in with injections of hip hop elements. “Perc 3000” brings together some groove-friendly riffing and gurgles together with DJ turntable scratching and hip hop energy at the track’s conclusion. “Full of Lead” and “Skin Burnt” are both interludes that provide a murky and dark tone while moving into hip hop samples and drum battery. Meanwhile “Shoot 2 Kill” rumbles with primal energy while sprinkling in samples and thunderous grooves before ending with a rap and gurgle combo. It comes a cross as a bit over the top for sure, but it manages to hit a certain sweet spot of sounding fresh while delivering something visceral and intense.
Taking nods to the ‘old school’ mentality of slamming death metal and giving it a fresh coat with hardcore and hip hop elements, PeelingFlesh present an album that may not appeal to everyone, but those that seek brutality with a bit of innovation will certainly appreciate. It’s brutal and uncompromising in many aspects, and a bit rough around the edges, but that that’s what makes The G Code work.