To be honest I knew absolutely nothing about VIOLENT LIFE VIOLENT DEATH before my friend Natalie told me to give them a listen. And boy am I glad she did. A combination of Metal, Hardcore, Punk, and Gods-knows what other types of aggression put into a blender is the only way I know how to describe them. Their new EP Come, Heavy Breath is out now and trust me when I tell you it is unlike anything you’ve heard up to this point. As soon as I plugged in I found myself saying, “Not sure what the fuck is going on, but I’m enjoying this ride!” more than once.
Right from the start, title track “Come, Heavy Breath” grabs you by the scruff of your neck and puts you face first into a goddamn brick wall. And you know what? You will get up, face full of blood going, “Thank you sir, may I have another?” Next up is “Backbiter” and I imagine this is the sonic equivalent of being torn apart by rabid weasels. “Rot” will certainly get your attention and was arguably my favorite of the six songs. The riff is neck-snapping, and the band is off to the races.
“Mourn” has this unique quality to the guitar pattern, as well as a brutality that made me perk up instantly while “Lovers/Deceivers” simply swings the wrecking ball in every direction for just over two minutes. “Narcissist” is the closer and also has the distinction of being the longest track at six minutes and change. It moves nicely, and the group collectively gears up for one last hammer punch to the throat on this one.
All told my first foray into VIOLENT LIFE VIOLENT DEATH was a fucking great one. The sheer anger and angst on this mother alone is enough to melt the tint off your windows. Hell, I wanted to break everything in sight when I listened. I still do. And if Come, Heavy Breath is any indication of what’s to come, I expect we’ll be hearing more and more from these boys, as we should.
STANDOUT TRACKS: “Rot”, “Mourn”, “Come, Heavy Breath”
RATING: 4/5
