Fetid Zombie, Pleasures of the Scalpel
Fetid Zombie is the one man musical assault of underground artist Mark Riddick, who’s client work consists of a who’s who in underground metal as well as the more commercial realms. Riddick hacks into the musical world with Pleasures of the Scalpel — a unique take on grinding death metal. Powered by a drum machine that sounds like one through most of the album, but does have it’s moments, the album is chock full of crushing rhythms, discordant and eerie guitar leads and rumbling bass.
The only thing that really comes across as over the top are the vocals. Riddick varies his delivery with clean, yet gruff shouts mixed with pitch shifted growls and screams. They’re not bad, but as with many bands in the brutal death genre, they can come across as somewhat comical. That said, the rest of the blasting death on the disc more than makes up for any shortcomings in the guttural growls. Pleasures Of the Scalpel also includes guest appearances by members of Arsis, Loculus and Unburied.
Pleasures Of The Scalpel
The title tracks starts off with slightly disjointed and eerie guitar work as the drum machine comes in. Deep, pitch shifted guttural growls are the primary vocal delivery on this one as blasts from the drums are punctuated with guitar squeals. Riddick does do a decent job of layering different vocal styles for added depth.
Solid Waste Management
“Solid Waste Management” actually has some of the better integrated drum work to go along with catchy riffs and the guttural growls. There are times though that the growls sort of fade out. For some reason this one gives me the impression of a zombie ho-down. Perhaps it’s the programmed beat, but it’s still catchy as hell.
Diarrhea By The Gallons
This download wasn’t available at the time this review was written.
Starved For Flesh
Chugging riffs and creative guitar work get this one going. Several tempo changes and layered vocals make for an interesting song. Again, the beat is catchy especially when mixed with the eerie hooks.
Gimp Mask Confessional
Big riffs and a steady beat start off “Starved for Flesh” as a sick as hell lead comes in from out of left field. More layered vocals dominate as the Riddick settles into a crushing groove highlighted with guitar squeals. The drum kit must have gone on the fritz around the two minute mark because it goes berserk with machine gun blasts and creative programming.
Man of The Semen-Stained Cloth
I love the slow, doomy feel to the opening riffs on this next one. It’s head banging goodness from the get go. The pace is picked up quickly with rapid fire drum blasts and a big growl just before the one minute mark. This one features some insanely layered vocals that makes for a unique sound.
Bone Saw Amputation
An eerie riff and crushing drums get this one started at a near maniacal pace. The drums definitely sound programmed on this one. There are some interesting time change ups that keep the listener on their toes through driving riffs and start/stop drums.
Confessional Booth Glory Hole
Chugging riffs and pummeling drums accompany a funky bass line that dominates the first few seconds. It sounds as though there is a guest vocalist in the mix with Riddick on this one.
Toilet Water Baptism
Based on all these song titles, I’d say that Riddick has a little something against the church. A memorable bit of riffing opens up “Confessional Booth Glory Hole” with some eerie highlights in the guitars. There’s a decent groove flowing through this one as well. The track ends with what sounds like a sound clip of a church choir
Hungry Fetus
There’s a new vocal presentation in this one as well — a shrill, higher pitched growl/scream delivery. It fits in well with the grinding death attack of the drums and eerie riffing.
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This was an interesting release to say the least. It wreaks of your typical guttural, brutal death metal complete with pitch shifter and drum machine, but the technical guitar and off kilter song structures make it unique in this genre. There are some decent riffs and drum programming, but the poor production puts a damper on the overall listening experience.
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