Texas death metal is a scene that’s infested with disgusting, violent, and riffy music. As well as having a niche for hardcore influences. And Creeping Death is a band that perfectly describes all of those styles. They’re nasty, groovy, and savage as f*ck. And with their sophom*ore album “Boundless Domain” they expand and hone in on their sound. Perfecting it while adding some nuances to spice things up.
Opening things up with the title track. You are greeted with some doomy atmosphere and build-up that only lasts a few seconds. And after that, it’s right into the main groove and the stomping riffs. From here on out it’s aggressive death metal that it leaves no survivors. It’s incredibly tight and engaging with nasty hardcore grooves, chunky obituary-like breakdowns, and looming melodies. They pull no punches and aren’t subtle in their attack. They manage to utilize these straightforward elements and add a lot of variety while adding barely any new things. And that’s why I feel like this album is way more tight and refined compared to their older material. Not to say anything Creeping Death has released in the past is lackluster by any means.
Let’s talk about the production for a moment. This is something that majorly propels this record to be as heavy and as ignorant as it is. Everything on here including the vocals, the guitar and bass tones, and even down to the drums. They’re all drenched in disgusting filthy decay. While also maintaining some transparency. The guitar tone is ungodly thick and beefy, making the guitars sound like the most arrogant and obnoxious tone ever. And it sounds fantastic. The drums are loud, and punchy, and give off the sound that you would expect from a machine gun. It’s ruthless and extremely pummeling. I love the way the snare pops and the way the kick drums sound.
Vocally this sounds fantastic as well, even the bass gets to shine and thrive perfectly on here. Everything is big and raw as hell on here while also sounding polished. It’s a perfect balance of nice production and raw production. The tones are nasty and nothing gets drowned out. If you want some of the best/grittiest production in a modern death metal record listen to this thing immediately.
Another thing that propels this record is the drum work. The drums are excellent in terms of locking in on intensity and rhythm. Especially groove. Lincoln Mullins brings a lot to the table and throws in many killer accents. He beats the living sh*t out of his kit with multiple swinging fills and blast beats. He holds nothing back and makes this record even groovier. Of course, you have those very punky/hardcore-driven beats and grooves. Especially D-beats which pop up a lot on this record. But for the most part, the drums along with the rest of the instruments are rooted in death metal. Everything flows together in an evil and chaotic harmony.
Now as I stated earlier things are a bit more refined on “Boundless Domain”. Even when you look at the production. But this album is still very straightforward, especially the guitars. There are tons of great lead in hooks and grooves to get your head banging. As well as some nasty chuggy breakdowns along with syncopated rhythms. Everything is vibrant and gritty and very pummeling. You also hear some nice double-time stomping riffs and thrashy tremolos. Which makes the more old-school death metal and thrash elements pop out a bit more.
However, there are some cool little flares in this album in terms of riffs and compositions. Amongst all this death metal mayhem there are few melodies on here. There are tons of dynamics and ominous melodies injected into some of the songs here. Most notably the title track begins off with very doomy beats and slow melodic notes. These make the songs open and breathe a lot more. Which I love because EVERY song on here kicks total ass. Bolt Thrower like chugs and harmonic moments also pop up on the song “Vitrified Earth”. Which starts with some great and memorable tremolo riffs and double bass.
Another thing that I’ve loved about this band in a live setting and a studio album. Is Reese Alavi’s phenomenal vocal performance. This man sounds amazing and commands as all living hell on this album. He sounds huge as hell and is upfront as f*ck. Making him sound like an absolute monster and aggressive as f*ck. He dominates “Boundless Domain” with low gutturals and high screams. He occasionally switches to a high scream or layers both high and low growls together. Making for a chaotic and varied performance. His voice is very distinctive and I can recognize it each time I hear this band's music.
Not only are these vocals fantastic. On one the songs on this record “Intestinal Warp”. You get some masterful guest vocals from the man himself George (Corpsegrinder) Fisher. From my favorite band ever Cannibal Corpse. He and Reese have fantastic trade-offs and both sound commanding as hell. It’s like a battle of two demons deciding on who’s more powerful or who’s got the higher body count. Every time I hear Corpsegrinder in Cannibal Corpse or a guest spot he always sounds great. And doesn’t sound out of place whatsoever.
If you haven’t seen already by this review I absolutely love this record. This was my personal introduction to the band a few months ago. And seeing them live for the first time in May only solidified my growing love for this band. Ever since then, I’ve been jamming to this band's music nonstop. So if you like modern death metal with hardcore elements. Check this out immediately. Buy their merch, and see them live on their upcoming tour with death metallers Frozen Soul. Which I absolutely won’t be missing. Incredible stuff overall.
FFO: Frozen Soul, Cannibal Corpse, Bolt Thrower, Entombed, Outer Heaven, Obituary, Gatecreeper
