Label: Brutal Cave Productions
Genre: Death Metal
Length: 14:20
To kick off this new year, here's an EP I recently listened to: As Good as Dead, the debut release from German death metal band R.I.P. Initially self-released in digital format in 2020, the EP was reissued in early 2021 via Portuguese label Brutal Cave Productions. Featuring 4 tracks totalling 14 minutes and 20 seconds, this EP will delight worshippers of old school death metal, particularly those who appreciate bands such as Obituary.
Musically, this EP draws its influence from the roots of old school death metal, with heavy riffs and varied rhythms that captivate from the very first seconds. The tracks are based on a skilful alternation between slow, crushing passages and thrash accelerations. As Good as Dead, for example, opens the EP with a catchy riff that quickly evolves into more aggressive sounds, evoking the best years of Obituary. Traumatized, for its part, combines fast rhythms with remarkable vocal variations, moving from a guttural growl to more piercing screams. On Acid Mutilation, the drums kick ass with their precision, dictating a relentless thrash rhythm before melting into the heaviness typical of the genre, while an incisive solo punctuates the track. Finally, Infected offers a more technical approach, incorporating a dark atmosphere and a memorable passage where the bass expresses itself solo, a hellish vocal entrance followed by a remarkable solo.
As Good as Dead is a promising first release for R.I.P., which should appeal to old school death metal worshppers. With their mastery of instruments and clear inspiration, this band are establishing themselves as a name to watch in the genre.I'll leave you to discover the band.
