Whether it’s a re-issue or the original 2020 debut, one thing remains clear: 200 Stab Wounds know how to deliver pure, unfiltered gore-soaked death metal. This Cleveland-based quartet burst onto the scene with such force that even four years later, revisiting “Piles Of Festering Decomposition” feels like uncovering a freshly exhumed body; putrid, powerful, and utterly uncompromising. This re-issue serves as a grisly reminder of why they’re poised to dominate the gore death metal scene.
From the opening moments of “Maggot Casket,” you’re greeted with a crushing mix of old-school death metal and brutal, grinding grooves. The riffs are relentless, the drums pummel with surgical precision, and the guttural vocals sound like they’re being dredged up from a crypt. The track sets the tone for the EP: feral, visceral, and without an ounce of mercy.
“Body In The Basement” follows with an infectious groove and chugging brutality that evokes a sense of claustrophobic dread. The riffs are meaty, the transitions are seamless, and the whole track oozes with a grimy, murderous atmosphere. This is death metal at its most primal, a sinister soundtrack to unspeakable horrors.
The grotesquely titled “She Was Already Dead” offers a relentless barrage of blast beats and twisted riffage. The band’s ability to shift between blistering speed and mid-tempo stomp is on full display here. The lyrics paint a horrifying picture, matching the intensity of the music and reinforcing 200 Stab Wounds’ knack for visceral storytelling.
On “Digested Desire,” the band leans into a slightly more groove-laden approach, blending death metal’s ferocity with subtle hardcore-tinged rhythms. It’s a headbanger’s paradise, with razor-sharp guitars and bone-crushing breakdowns that will leave necks sore and mosh pits in shambles.
Closing track “Ruptured In Purulence” is a fitting end to this brutal journey. The riffs slice through the mix like a rusty scalpel, and the sheer energy of the performance is a testament to the band’s talent and passion. The production is raw, but not sloppy, retaining just enough grit to keep it authentic while still delivering a polished listening experience.
One of the most striking elements of this re-issue is the production. While the original EP was already a masterclass in balancing brutality and clarity, the re-issue tweaks the sound just enough to elevate the experience. Every instrument has its place and nothing is lost in the chaos. The guitars are razor-sharp, the bass rumbles ominously, and the drums hit with punishing force. It’s a testament to the band’s commitment to DIY ethos and their understanding of their genre and audience. No over-polished nonsense here, just pure, grisly death metal.
“Piles Of Festering Decomposition” might only be five tracks and 16 minutes, but it hits with the force of a wrecking ball. This isn’t just a re-issue; it’s a statement of intent. 200 Stab Wounds are here to stay, and if this EP is anything to go by, they’re on a direct path to becoming the next big thing in gore death metal. Impeccably written, ferociously performed, and flawlessly produced, this release gets a full 10/10.
If you haven’t yet immersed yourself in the festering, maggot-ridden world of 200 Stab Wounds, now’s your chance. See you in the pit in 2025!
Rating: 10/10
Release Date: 27th November 2024
Label: Metal Blade Records
Writer: Andy Baqone
Tracklist:
- Maggot Casket
- Body in the Basement
- She Was Already Dead
- Digested Desire
- Ruptured in Purulence
