Buffalo’s favorite (and only) under 21 death metal trio is back with their 3rd pulverizing and sadistic effort of death metal. The debut was an awesome slab of death grunge. Guitarist Jack is into grunge, rock and hard rock too. It set them apart from many metal and metal adjacent locals. The second EP that dropped in April this year Anabolic was a heavier, darker and brutal step up from the 2024 self titled debut EP. Now, we have the most evil and fucked piece of work the kids have composed to date. I had the honor of listening to this gore soaked 4 pack of death metal before its release October 1st. My band just changed drummers and Lacerate’s drummer Logan is now a part of my band Morgue Terror. That preview blew my mind and boy have I soaked this EP in during the last 48 hours.
For the music, well holy fuck. The grunge sound is a forgone thought and it’s sadistic old school death metal. Jack’s riffs are thicker, even heavier and straight to the point. Kaleb’s voice is as sick and consistent as ever in the low end (also solid on the bass). He now has introduced some higher ranged growls in a few parts, unexpected and enjoyed thoroughly. Logan’s drumming is the glue of this massively brutal band. The guys set out to make a statement and it shows. The songwriting is better in the 4 tracks, being a little longer and trying some new ideas. They record at the same studio Watchmen Studios run solely by the legendary Doug White.
With songs such as “Sentiment For Dismemberment”, “Homemade Skin Graft”, Pulmonary Blood Procedure” and the banging title track “Cranial Chunks” how are you NOT sucked in? With a picture of a dude bashing his skull until he dies (artwork by the legendary Andik Godfinger) you know you’re in for some nonsense brutality. Lacerate really is honing in on their sound and craft, and visually is my favorite cover of the 3 EP’S. Outside of Buffalo, they’re not known. Their work ethic is insane and desire is crazier to write and play shows. They literally have all the tools for a successful death metal band. Just imagine how tight they will be in a fucking decade. They can’t even legally drink yet!
Their success is truly inspiring and proud to call the three of them family and brothers to me. To see their musical journey from the first EP playing our first show last April to now is insane. All 3 members compliment each other perfectly. “Cranial Chunks” is Lacerate at its best as of now. The word on the street is a full length could be next. If we got our head smashed in by four tracks, what will 9-10 encompass? Honestly, it excites the shit out of me. Not many bands in Buffalo or Rochester match this level of heavy. Lacerate has released the Buffalo version of “Once Upon The Cross”. Stop reading this and start listening to the god damn EP.
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https://music.apple.com/us/album/cranial-chunks-ep/1838602878
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