Few things in life are as reliable as Jungle Rot. And not in the purely physical state, but in the crushing Death Metal that the band has been delivering for more than 30 years. This run continues with the band’s twelfth album, Cruel Face Of War.
Jungle Rot – Cruel Face Of War
Release Date: 15 May 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
Whilst there have been many musicians that have crewed the good ship, it is a solid line-up that has steered the band through the past 20+ years.
Most recent addition, powerhouse drummer Spenser Syphers has been on board for closing in on seven years, whilst founder Dave Matrise has had trusty counterparts in bassist James Genenz and guitarist Geoff Bub for over two decades.
It is evident that this is a band who can deliver with cohesion but also with fresh approaches. Yes, their sound is a blend of old-school Thrash, Death, Crossover and even crust punk, but there is a specific sound that makes the likes of Obituary, Immolation and Vomitory relevant today.
Add Jungle Rot into the mix, for they bring it hard and without any focus on the flashy. This is slow stomp melodies, bruising riffage, growling vocals and efficiency in all they do.
It is evident that the band do not take it for granted. Matrise comments: “Let’s start off by saying what an amazing accomplishment it is to hit 12 releases in my career. Never would I think I’d still be doing this 30+ years later. I guess be careful what you wish for. I’m very grateful to all of our fans that have supported us for so many years and for never giving up on us.”
What we get is a glorious slab of in-your-face old school. From the imaginatively titled Intro that forms the starting point, via the lynchpin of Blade Of Betrayal with its Thrash overtones and finale Hollow Husk, this is an album that pulls no punches.
I love how genuine Jungle Rot are. There is nothing superficial here at all, just pure mayhem and power that drives at the jugular and rams home.
But there is also groove, a catchiness that demands your attention and then slams you hard. Maniacal possesses a grinding riff that slowly builds into a headbanging dream, whilst the arrival of Benediction’s Dave Ingram on Horrors Vile adds another step to the levels.
A track bristling with aggression and punishment, it’s fast, furious, and still possesses melodious lead work that screams out of the melee with class and style. Meanwhile, the blistering drumming of Syphers is immaculate throughout.
There is nothing more to add apart from to implore you to listen to this album, from one of the genre’s legendary outfits.
As Matrise says, “We have stood the test of time. We are still here playing our trademark style of old school Death Metal that has carved a legendary name for us in the underground scene today.”
Jungle Rot release Cruel Face Of War on 15 May 2026 via Unique Leader Records. Pre-orders are available from orcd.co/CRUELFACEOFWAR.
