Band:	Miscarriage
Album:	Imminent Horror
Style:	Grindcore, Sludge metal
Release date:	February 2019

01. I
02. II
03. III
04. IV
05. V
06. VI
07. VII

In a parallel universe, Carcass decided to leave Earache Records after releasing the ground-breaking Symphonies Of Sickness. They became interested in a certain extreme doom trio of bands that Peaceville had just formed. Seeking new, darker paths, yet keeping the gore-filled ambience, Carcass became Miscarriage, the unsung member of the Peaceville four. The infamous result passed through a time-space membrane right into our own universe, in early 2019.

Well, of course this is not how it really happened. But isn't it a vivid image? Let me guarantee you that this nightmare-filled hour of doomy gore is even more vivid than my fever dream. Miscarriage is a duo that consists of Jon Paxton (vocals, guitars and bass) from the USA and Ulf Nylin (drums, artwork) who hails from Sweden. Death, suffering and the stench of rotting flesh seem to have no trouble in going the distance and plaguing us all around the globe. You'd think these guys lived right next door to each other after listening and appreciating the cohesive work that is Imminent Horror.

The rarity of this album lies not only in its odd, unnerving sound but also in Miscarriage's previous incarnations. The previous albums that formed the Homicidal Mania trilogy all display a sound and atmosphere more akin to traditional goregrind, albeit far more disturbing and sludgy in its portrayal. It takes courage to completely disregard the vicious and fast aggression they showcased so well in the previous series of albums, in order to take a chance, slow things down and see what would happen. The gamble turned to be a wise and highly original decision. The influences are vast and relevant; from Godflesh's hypnotic pulse, to the crushing malice of acts like Corrupted or Primitive Man. Miscarriage seals the disgusting unison of noise with sickening vocals that come from the most twisted and filthy holes of the underground and, amplified with reverb and echo, they reach a hellish and gargling sound that at times matches the vocals of Revenge and even old Esoteric.

Music like this can be quite challenging and an hour's worth of punishment can be too much for the weak. This duo isn't particularly concerned about pleasing the public though and the intriguing layering and change of pace grants more than enough variation for the bleeding ears of yours truly. Discussions about a year's best releases can get long and difficult to settle, but not when it comes to the most extreme album of the year. The bar has been set really high now.

The horror... Is imminent.