Among Old School Death Metal worthly representatives, Jungle Rot is one of the greatests.
Created in the United States in 1992, the band has no longer former members in its line-up. Indeed, the one who steers is Dave Matrise (guitar/vocals), who joined the band in 1993. At his sides, James Genenz (bass, Avernus, Dysphoria, exFleshgrind) et Geoff Bub (guitar) hold their duties since more than ten years, but the band has no longer an official drummer since Jesse Beahler (Nightfire, ex-Black Crown Initiate, ex-Rings Of Saturn) left in 2013. To record Jungle Rot, their ninth full-length, they automatically called him but for thir live shows they can count on Mike Miczek (Broken Hope, The Atlas Moth), Remington Roberts, Parker Yowell and Spenser Syphers to hit the drums. Are you ready to be naughtily beaten?
The album begins with Send Forth Oblivion, a track that sets the pace at the outset. Riffs are greasy, supported by a bass that stands out in the mix, and it sounds like twenty years ago. Dave’s vocals didn’t changed too, and he still has this motivating voice. Guitars alternate between massive rhythmic and piercing leads, but it’s quickly time for Delusional Denial. A track that sounds quieter at first, but whose tempo finally increases for unhealthy riffs. It’s such a pleasure to hear those sounds again, that perfectly know how to add some harmonics, just like on A Burning Cinder, whose blast will probably talk to Thrash Metal lovers too. The blend is nearly the same on Triggered, but this track is slower and more suitable for headbang than the previous one. On the middle of the track, the band has an energy burst and it can be felt in the rhythmic with this characteristic acceleration.
The americans resume with Fearmonger, a definitely more Thrash/Death track with a prestigious guest! Schmier (bassist/vocalist of Destruction and Headhunter, ex-Pänzer) indeeds joins his voice to Dave’s one for a very energetic and shrilling-sounded song. Let’s go back on a purulent Old School Death Metal basis for Stay Dead, with this blend of jerky riffs, powerful growls and impressive rhythm parts, then the break will only strengthen the madness that seizes the musicians. The next track, Glory For The Fallen, is slower and heavier, but doesn’t lose this bloody taste that we smell from the album’s very first note. Whether on simple or more technical parts, the band knows what to do to please us.
Fastness comes back with Pumped Full Of Lead and this omnipresent bass that perfectly contrasts with the few harmonics the band sometimes slips in their riffs, whereas on Twisted Mind harmonics are the ones which gave the track its taste. As a real steamroller whose only purpose is to make us headbang, this song is filled with short spurts. Shortly after the final solo (already) comes the final track, Terrible Certainty. Juggle Thrash influences without guest, the band plays the quickness card to close this record in beauty.
Unfortunately a bit fast in my opinion, Jungle Rot perfectly registers in Jungle Rot’s discography. Without creating a real revolution in the style, the band delivers an Old School sound that old Death Metal fans will enjoy, and could also seduce a new fanbase. Quite rare in France, I hope to be lucky enough to see this juggernaut in motion very soon!
85/100
