Band:	Laceration
Album:	I Erode
Style:	Death metal, Thrash metal
Release date:	July 26, 2024
Guest review by:	Blackcrowe

01. Degradation
02. Excised
03. Sadistic Enthrallment
04. Vile Incarnate
05. Dreams Of The Formless
06. Carcerality
07. Strangled By Hatred
08. Impaling Sorrow
09. I Erode

The Pursuit of Flawlessness.

In their second album, I Erode, Laceration plunges into the depths of classic death metal, embodying the genre with expert precision. The record envelops listeners in a whirlwind of fierce riffs and unyielding energy, drawing heavily from the golden era of death metal. While it presents a solid array of potent, finely-crafted tracks, I Erode falls just short of absolute perfection.

Originating from California's North Bay Area, Laceration merges technical finesse with raw aggression. Songs like "Excised" and "Sadistic Enthrallment" epitomize the gritty, relentless essence of death metal, enriched by wild, whammy-bar-infused solos. Donnie Snalles' lead guitar work shines with melodic subtleties that starkly contrast the brutal riffs, while Aerin Johnson's drumming propels each piece with exactitude and vigor, especially on the exceptional track "Carcerality", pulsating with frenzied energy and an irresistible groove. At times, the band's sound draws comparisons to Revocation, showcasing similar technical dexterity and aggressive intensity.

Nevertheless, the album's commitment to the death metal formula is both its strength and its limitation. Despite Laceration's undeniable technical skill and songwriting prowess, the band appears hesitant to explore new avenues or tread less conventional paths. While the traditional death metal elements are executed masterfully, the album feels constrained by its reluctance to innovate or stray from established norms. The promised thrash influences remain somewhat underdeveloped, and a more audacious approach could have pushed boundaries and distinguished them from their peers in the genre.

Produced by Matt Harvey of Exhumed, the album strikes a delicate balance between clarity and rawness, preserving the genre's essence while allowing each instrument to shine. Clocking in at just over 30 minutes, I Erode feels slightly short, leaving a desire for a few more tracks to round out the experience.

In sum, I Erode stands as a solid addition to Laceration's discography, exhibiting their capacity to deliver old-school death metal with a contemporary twist. It will please ardent genre fans while hinting at the band's potential for future innovation. Though I appreciate the album, my ultimate feeling is that Laceration could have pushed their sound further. With their talent and potential, they have the opportunity to explore new territories and redefine their sound, and I eagerly anticipate their embrace of more experimentation to carve out a unique space within the genre in their next release.