Band:	Maul
Album:	In The Jaws Of Bereavement
Style:	Death metal
Release date:	October 04, 2024
Guest review by:	Blackcrowe

01. In The Jaws Of Bereavement
02. Blood Quantum
03. Weaving Cerebral Horrors
04. Spontaneous Stigmata
05. Alluring Deceit
06. Midwest Death
07. Unbridled Delusions
08. Stuck Stomped And Smeared
09. With Each Voracious Lick
10. Drawn To Drowning

In the Jaws of Barnes.

Maul, the North Dakota-based band, has released In The Jaws Of Bereavement, following their promising 2022 debut Seraphic Punishment. Formed in 2017, Maul has since put out a demo, a few EPs, and now two full-length albums.

On In The Jaws Of Bereavement, Maul blends traditional death metal with thrash influences. The album features ten tracks and clocks in at under 40 minutes, making it an easy listen. However, compared to the more complex, death-doom style of Seraphic Punishment, this record feels like a step in a different direction, showcasing another side of the band’s repertoire.

The production is excellent, with a clean mix that gives the music clarity and impact. The band members—Garrett Alvarado on vocals, Robby Anderson on drums, Anthony Lamb and Alex Nikolas on guitars, and Mike Griggs on bass—deliver strong performances. Their tight instrumentals, powerful vocal delivery, and sharp riffs combine into a cohesive, hard-hitting sound.

That said, the 'Chris Barnes effect'—a nod to Barnes’ work with Cannibal Corpse and Six Feet Under—detracts from the originality here. The similarities feel unoriginal, and highlight the band’s struggle to carve out a unique identity. Fans of the first album might appreciate the change, but for others, the lack of innovation may be disappointing.

In the end, In The Jaws Of Bereavement falls short of expectations. In a crowded world of death, doom, and black metal, standing out is no easy feat. As the genre evolves into more technical and complex territories, it risks losing its raw edge. While Maul’s latest effort is competent, it lacks the spark to truly leave a mark. Unfortunately, the band’s shift towards a more melancholic sound feels derivative, missing an opportunity to build on the strengths of their debut.