INTERNAL BLEEDING – Voracious Contempt

New York’s underground scene has always produced bands that, over time, became fundamental to death metal and its subgenres. Consider the abyssal Incantation, the tumultuous Immolation, the relentlessly violent Mortician, and Suffocation, masters of brutal death. Together, they embody the New York Death Metal movement. In the early ’90s, this scene reshaped the evolving genre by introducing more complex stylistic ideas.

But the New York death metal scene also includes lesser-known acts that proved as influential as those giants. Two deserving names are Pyrexia and the band at the center of this review: Internal Bleeding.

 

Formed in 1991, the original lineup included Chris Pervelis (guitar), Anthony Miola (guitar), William “Bill” Tolley (drums), and Eric Wigger (vocals). They released three early demos showcasing strong potential, despite inexperience. A few years later, Wigger’s departure triggered a lineup shift: bassist Brian Hobbie and vocalist Frank Rini joined—the latter known as a versatile growler in extreme metal.

 

This marked a turning point. With this lineup, Internal Bleeding would make their definitive leap forward, releasing their debut full-length, Voracious Contempt—an album that remains one of the highest peaks of their career and a true precursor to slam. That’s precisely why it’s still held in such high regard today. While incorporating bursts of speed and technicality, the album primarily revolves around dense, groove-laden riffs delivered through constantly shifting rhythms and time signatures. At the time, this approach diverged from traditional death metal, blending genre-defining rhythmic intensity and rapid-fire bass work with New York Hardcore influences and the brutal death blueprint pioneered by Suffocation. The result is a crushing and forward-thinking record that would go on to influence an entire branch of extreme metal.

 

From the opening track, Languish in Despair—introduced by an eerie melody—the listener is overwhelmed by Internal Bleeding’s aggression. Within a minute, abrasive guitars attack, driven by Tolley’s precise drumming, setting the stage for Rini’s growl. The band’s control stands out—tempo shifts and breakdowns are executed flawlessly, with Hobbie’s bass adding weight. The destructive Anointed in Servitude achieves a perfect balance, switching between fast sections and punishing slowdowns. This effect is driven by Tolley’s performance as he shifts between blast beats and double bass. Reflection of Ignorance opts for more groove, focusing on breakdowns that highlight the rigidity of the riffs, but it still includes fast moments. The following tracks, like Epoch of Barbarity (with clear Suffocation influence), Gutted Human Sacrifice (known for heavy, twisted riffs), and God of Subservience, also follow this pattern. Past the halfway mark, the album truly comes alive, delivering its strongest material. Prophet of the Blasphemes stands out as one of the finest tracks, if not the best, in terms of structure. It opens with a seismic intro that builds into a barrage of blast beats, followed by a steady, pounding verse that eventually erupts into a crushing breakdown. From there, the track regains momentum, culminating in a lethal combination of riffs and blast beats that carry it to its explosive conclusion. Similarly, Humanicide and the standout Inhuman Suffering maintain the same intensity, both featuring memorable, groove-driven choruses that stick despite the overall brutality. Finally, Despoilment of Rotting Flesh closes the album without introducing anything radically new but delivers one last dose of pure violence in classic brutal death fashion, fading out into a cryptic ending.

 

Rage, violence, and aggression—this is how Internal Bleeding made their mark. Voracious Contempt is a gem. At a time when the genre risked stagnation, the band pushed boundaries, explored new ground, and maintained their identity. It’s no coincidence that this album laid the groundwork for bands that defined slam.

Initially underappreciated by critics, time has vindicated Internal Bleeding, who remain underrated. Their later works—like Imperium—also deserve recognition, upholding passion despite a turbulent career and the tragic loss of Bill Tolley, who later served as a New York Fire Department lieutenant and died in the line of duty.

To fully appreciate Internal Bleeding, one must begin with this record. Voracious Contempt stands as a leading work in extreme metal—an exemplary release, compelling discovery.