FULCI – Duck Face Killings

We’re in front of one of the most iconic death metal bands from Italy, and this is the definitive proof. Fulci has reached an 11-year milestone with their fourth full-length, Duck Face Killings, conquering the international audience once and for all.

 

Let’s briefly recap their journey. They began with Opening the Hell Gates (2015), built a reputation with Tropical Sun (2019), and reaffirmed their strength with Exhumed Information (2021). Album after album, the band has matured, continuously refining their sound and performances, expanding their lineup, and generating creative ideas that remain timely. This evolution is perfectly reflected in the content of Duck Face Killings. Released via 20 Buck Spin, the album features two additional permanent members and various collaborators from other projects. The central concept is Lucio Fulci’s cult movie The New York Ripper (1982). Using this premise, Fulci channels the movie into their tracks.

 

Vile Butchery embodies this perfectly: the song is tightly structured, relentlessly violent, and oppressive. Amplified by drummer Edoardo Nicoloso, the live drums make the sound much more fluid than the previous drum-machine approach. After the brief interlude, A Blade in the Dark, and Fucked with a Broken Bottle hits hard, delivering crushing slam breaks and Fiore’s most brutal growls yet. Maniac Unleashed stands out, driven by gritty, infectious riffs from Dome and new member Ando Ferraiuolo. The song immediately draws the listener in. Next, the rap-metal track Knife features Lord Goat. The band then returns to heavier territory with Slashereality, Human Scalp Collection, and the title track—three relentless tracks that leave no listener unscathed. The intensity continues in Rotten Apple and Sadistic Murder, where stylistic choices emerge through furious breaks and crushing breakdowns. Stabbed, Gutted and Loved revisits old-school territory, while the closing instrumental Il Miele Del Diavolo blends guitars, drums, synths, and sax for a haunting finale. Fulci crafts an album that honors its influences while remaining fresh. The band proves itself innovative, brilliant, and confident. Every element is executed expertly.