Released on: 3rd December 2021
What has got five tracks, an indomitable spirit and a raucous sound? Total Burial is the latest EP from Death Metal magi Under The Church. A straight up, no frills gut punch of a release that the meat of has got solid groove and a a touch, just a smidgen, of melodic discourse.
Four years fresh from their last album Supernatural Punishment this years release sees the five piece refining their Sweden-born sound. The group blends death metal with southern groove into a hearty mixture of funky rhythms and harsh riffs. All while chattering about the usual non-descriptive conspiratorial gore. A gastric staple on the death metal diet.
The riffs on Total Burial are of the garden variety for the genre of death. However the drums really pick up the slack here and are by far the most interesting part. And, as you digest what semblance of melody is coming from the fretboards, the tempo is challenging enough to leave you feeling satisfied. Where the variety of patterns offer up a crunchy and consistent kick to an otherwise normative endeavor.
Total Burial is not the most innovative release to come out of Europe but it hits the spot on more than one track. Even if the riffs over compensate for the want of fitting in. Under The Church successfully return to life after a hiatus from a solid annual run. Overall this EP has got bite. Just not where you would expect it.
7/10
