Label - Redefining Darkness Records
Release Date - 15th September 2023
Words- Chris Fletcher
In an era where the bands who put out classic albums are still going strong and bands that have recently emerged are taking death metal to new and interesting places, it can often be tough for a new band to stand out and make themselves heard.
This is exactly what US three-piece Flesher are looking to do with their debut album ‘Tales of Grotesque Demise’. Offering nine tracks oftop-qualityy death metal is all well and good, but have the band been able to show that they can emerge from the swamps and take a seat at the top table?
The fittingly titled synth-led intro track ‘Enter the Realm’ soon gives way to ‘Wisconsin’ which immediately hits you with a barrage of riffs before giving way to an undeniable groove that will have you googling where you can find a neck brace at short notice. From here ‘Scroll of Thoth’, which opens with a swarm of flies, provides a swirling maelstrom of death metal guaranteed to leave you with a grin on your face.
Following this we have 6 more tracks of top-quality extreme metal showing that Flesher more than deserves a seat at the table. The eponymous closing track ‘Flesher (Will Kill You) ends proceedings, and whilst clocking in at over 7 minutes (including an extended outro) is a statement of intent in more than just name.
Signing to Redefining Darkness for their debut as well as enlisting the legendary Dan Swano to handle mastering, shows a band that are confident in their ability, as well demonstrating that there are plenty of people who can see the potential that they have to offer. Speaking of mastering and production, the job that has been done on ‘Tales of Grotesque Demise’ is a perfect blend of modern death metal and primordial ooze which suits the music perfectly. Pair this with artwork by Ed Repka and its death metal Christmas.
Coming out in an already strong year for death metal, in a September populated with new releases from Dying Fetus, Cannibal Corpse and Tomb Mold, Flesher have managed to stick their heads above the precipice and show that they demand attention too. Their particular brand of old-school death metal is one that should and will be popular with anyone who has even a passing interest in the genre and if this is what they have been able to achieve on their debut record, it's exciting to think how high the ceiling is for these guys.
8.5/10.
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