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NECROT
Lifeless Birth
TankCrimes

Where would modern metal fans be without new bands carrying on the traditional sound that us gatekeepers and elitists all grew up with, bled for and love? As traditionalists not to be lumped in with mainstream posers who don't respect and appreciate the old school, it takes a special ear and an open mind to hear new bands with a retro sound from the 80's and 90's. Influenced by bands who were creating a scene and genre that never sought to be widely accepted, and was much more respected by our own community. While Death Metal has seen a huge surge in the past decade, we now have an amazing amount of new talented bands who just happen to share the stage with the veterans who are accepting and open-minded enough to bring on these newbloods and help gain them a following.

Hailing from the Bay area, a place ripe with history and a crazy amount of talented Thrash and Death Metal bands, comes another outstanding power-trio in that of NECROT who capture various styles of traditional old school death metal. Founded by bassist/vocalist Luca Indrio and drummer Chad Gailey in 2011 and guitarist Sonny Reinhardt soon following, they now unleash their 3rd album titled Lifeless Birth (TankCrimes). They are demonstrating after every album their solid ground and roots cemented in the purity of Death Metal. A blend of Doom (for fans of IMMOLATION and INCANTATION) with a touch of traditional Swedish Death Metal (for fans of GRAVE, AT THE GATES and DISMEMBER). While today's modern DM bands unnecessarily compete with each other with over the top bpms, NECROT keeps it to a ground-level approach that has become more palatable to a wider audience. Having caught these guys quite a few times in the past few years as openers for some other DM greats, having toured with some large names like MORBID ANGEL and CANNIBAL CORPSE had certainly helped to get them invited to all the big parties, tours and festivals. Hearing their 2017 debut, Blood Offerings only confirmed what I saw live in that these guys from Oakland are forging their 3-headed axe as a new power-trio to be on the lookout for. Their work on cd/vinyl/tape (whatever your pleasure) is translated very well through their live performances as their sound is absolutely crushing live. Their sophomore follow-up Mortal released during the pandemic lockdown was a much needed release that reflects some of the intensity that was manifesting within them during isolation. Lifeless Birth' is certainly anything but lifeless. If the outstanding cover art alone doesn't simply signal to you how wretched this album is, you need to re-evaluate how you see album art too. While it's natural to feel some stagnation when listening to them, it can be gratifying when you know what to expect, straight pummeling riffs will have your head ripping off with every headbang. My favorite tracks on this record that demonstrate their awesomeness are the title-track, "Superior", "Dead Memories" and "The Curse" which are some of the longest songs on the album (over 6 minutes and 8 minutes respectfully).

Released again through the label TankCrimes, who did the previous 2, is doing a great job in getting their name out there and has certainly seen success considering Mortal was #2 on Billboard's Top New Artist chart, #30 on the Top Current Albums chart, #4 on the Current Hard Music, and #10 on the Heatseeker Albums chart during its release. While unfortunately (also) only 7 tracks and not quite as brutal, 'Lifeless Birth should see similar success. Behind the console during the recording again was Grammy-winning producer Greg Wilkinson who was hands-on for all three NECROT albums. Mastering duties were taken by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege.

A flurry (family and health) issues literally plagued the band while trying to make a name for themselves. It's things like this that serve as an indication that at all costs and obstacles be damned, the trials one has to deal with must be worth the success you find, no matter how little the victories are. NECROT are a young band with much promise and have done quite well through these 3 albums, as worthwhile tour support and now look to reiterate their seriousness by going on their own headlining tour. Well done, chaps.

4.0 Out Of 5.0