Death Metal titans Avulsed last released a full-length album of new material back in 2013 with Ritual Zombi, and aside from 2016’s Deathgeneration, a 25th-anniversary re-recording of their best-loved pieces, things have been rather quiet studio-wise since then. But the Spanish legends have now returned in full force with Phoenix Cryptobiosis.
Avulsed – Phoenix Cryptobiosis (Xtreem Music)
Release Date: 4 March 2025
Words: Jools Green
Founder and only original member, vocalist Dave Rotten, is joined on this aptly named offering once more by Santi’ Gog’ on drums, alongside newcomers Victor Dws and Alejandro Lobo on guitars and Alex Nihil on bass. There is a lot to be said for refreshing a lineup because the result here is an album that is a dynamically brutal and exhilarating listen.
Opening instrumental Limbs Regeneration sets the scene for the album. It is filled with tantalising suspense and promise coming to fruition as it fades. This is reflected in the sinister riffs of Lacerate To Dominate, where the opening growl cuts through with menacing intent. Here, the pace and intensity ramp up, with Dave Rotten employing both growls and higher acidic hisses in his vocal delivery.
I love the sinister swathes melody between the driving waves of riffing as it adds so much dark atmosphere, especially when Dave roars over the top. In the second half, the burst of ominous-tinged leadwork flows superbly over the pummelling drum rhythms and riffs.
It does not get much more impactful than Blood Monolith. Firstly, you are confronted by the deep, protracted, repeating growls of “Blood Monolith,” then all hell breaks loose as your senses are assaulted by a wall of riffs before panning out into something a little more melodic, incorporating a complex and fascinating meander to its construct but still packing massive a punch. This track is such an engaging listen. The constant and fluid shift in pace and direction keeps you fascinated throughout.
Unrotted is as unrelenting as it is engaging, engulfing you in a torrent of spiralling riffs. Lyrically, it is equally catchy, a driving beast that gets inside your head.
The onslaught continues with Guts Of The Gore Gods, which packs a punch and delivers hugely engaging repeats. The drop is magnificently sinister, with a nice technical edge to the build. The vocals thunder through, adding extra depth, impact and brutality. You cannot help but be impressed by those protracted growls either.
I love how Dave’s vocals are punctuated with riff flourishes that have a technical leaning on Phoenix Cryptobiosis. It adds a fresh, exciting atmosphere, and the searing leadwork from midway elevates this marauding beast of a track even further.
The drum intro sets the mood and pace for Devotion For Putrefaction, a d-beat rich, up-tempo piece with sublime extended midpoint leadwork, all of which balance perfectly against the fetid vocal delivery. Who knew decay and decomposition could be so cheerful? I love it!
Neverborn Monstrosity takes a more ominous downturn, opening on bleak driving riffs and deep protracted growls before switching into a heavy but decidedly groovy mood. There is a catchy as hell repeat as the main lyrical content arrives. This is a complex yet hugely engaging piece that twists and turns defiantly and delivers a burst of soaring leadwork in the second half, breaking up the groovy drive.
With its classic Death Metal heart, Dismembered delivers a deliciously dense, rich sound, melding a protracted opening growl, spiralling riffs, haunting melody, punchy rhythms and ground-shaking vocals. Another superbly engaging piece.
The penultimate piece, Bio-Cadaver, has a superbly sinister undertone as it opens thanks to its repeating riff. Again, the opening growls add to that atmosphere, gradually building into another determined driver of a track harbouring a catchy repeat and engaging ebb and build. The eerie, bleak midpoint drop is so atmospheric, bringing something a little different to the mix from the usual burst of leadwork before returning to its original trajectory.
Avulsed meld the catchy with the sinister for one final time with the last piece, Wandering Putrid Souls. It is no surprise that it is a d-beat-rich, exciting driver with some great twists and turns in the pace and direction. There is superb fluidity to the construct and one final burst of soaring, searing leadwork in the second half. I defy you NOT to join in with the catchy choral repeat throughout of “Wandering Putrid Souls.”
Phoenix Cryptobiosis, for me, is a superb listen end to end and an absolute must for all Death Metal fans. But don’t take my word for it. I am just a lowly and humble reviewer.
Heed the endorsement by one of Death Metals biggest legends, Paganizer’s Rogga Johansson, who says that “…this shit is massively excellent.”
I definitely concur with that statement.
