Blastomycosis

The debut full-length release from Toronto, ON's Blastomycosis is as brutal and as grimy as death metal gets. The Putrid Smell Within is 18 tracks of intense death metal, as well as grotesque lyrics and song titles, including "Fermented Whore Booze" and "Bathhouse Bloodbath." But even more menacing than the lyrics is their delivery by vocalist Phil Baker, whose guttural growls are vicious and aggressive throughout. Tunes like the severely brutal "Masochistic Pleasures" and "Ripping Dead Flesh" also showcase the heavy bass of Marko Vukovic and the insanely fast blast beat drumming from Jason Longo. But it's Tristan Biggar's guitar work that especially stands out on the release. His technical proficiency is displayed best on "Decomposition," which is a tune that also highlights Baker's ominous vocal dexterity. With an overall sound of foul and violent decimation, this release is truly disgusting, and as far as brutal death metal goes, that's just about the best compliment.