Christian Death Metal may seem like an oxymoron to some, but it is indeed a genre that exists, and Broken Flesh from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma not only help define the genre they may have made it even more brutal. On the scene since 2004, the band released their debut album, Forever In Flames, back in 2009 and continued to move forward independently with the 2012 EP Stripped, Stabbed, and Crucified. Signing with Luxor Records, the band recently reissued their 2013 album, Warbound, in January and now return with their third studio record simply titled, Broken Flesh. Consisting of Vocalist Jacob Mathes, Guitarist/Vocalist Kevin Tubby, Bassist/Vocalist Joshua Mathes, Drummer Brandon Lopez, and newest member, Guitarist Dakota Whiteside, Broken Flesh unleashed ten new and two recorded, crushing tracks produced by As They Sleep’s Nick Morris on September 4th.
With this new album, the band wastes no time, opening the album with the track “Valley of Mass Crucifixion” taking off with Tubby’s crushing opening riff and blast beats from Lopez and does not relent through the entire thirty plus minutes. Moving along at rapid speed, the album shows many of Broken Flesh’s influences and some similarities to other bands, but throughout, they still retain an original sound. For example, “Hell” is reminiscent of early Deicide (without the blasphemous lyrical content of course). Then there is “Unworthy” where one can hear several of the influences that helped shape the sound of Broken Flesh including Suffocation. The track “Forever in Flames” gives the listener a definitive example of Joshua’s low end that is ever present throughout the album.
With this record, there are no ballads to be found. No choirs or keyboards in any of the songs. There is no orchestra, there are no experimental Death Metal tracks, just blistering and brutal Death Metal made with guitars, drums, bass, and vocals. Furthermore, every track features breakneck speed drumming courtesy of Lopez. On the vocal end of the spectrum, Jacob Mathes sounds like a man confronting his demons deep in the bowels of hell. Brother, Joshua Mathes completes the rhythm section and contributes what one can only assume is one of several demon voices that backs-up Lead Vocalist Jacob. Bring it all together, Tubby’s guitar work each track is nothing short of sinister, fast, and 10-ton-hammer heavy.
This band and this new album is for fans of Suffocation, Mortification, Immolation, and for some that want something a bit more brutal than Living Sacrifice. Standout tracks of the offering include “By His Blood” and “Ignominy.” With other song titles like “Consumed by Death,” “Buried Alive,” and “Blood Harvest,” one may not be able to differentiate this album from other albums by their secular constituents, but upon inspection of the lyrics, it is understood that Extreme Christian Death Metal is the most extreme form of gospel music that exists, and Broken Flesh is the epitome of just that. Catching Broken Flesh performing live is the best way to hear them deliver the most brutal gospel-music created by some of the nicest guys in the business. The band members deliver the Word like men on a mission at such blistering speeds it is amazing their instruments and voices hold up so well. CrypticRock gives Broken Flesh 4 out of 5 stars.
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