Australia never disappoints, and Slaughtercult are a prime example. This Sydney-based trio, active since 2022, are one of those bands that need just a single album to make their identity immediately clear. Unsurprisingly, their sound is rooted in pure brutal death metal, with slam elements thrown in.
There is nothing remotely light-hearted about Devoured by Perversion, the band’s second full-length following their debut, Meat Head (2023). While there are no major innovations here, the album certainly delivers the genre’s trademark bursts of violence and adrenaline, further enhanced by the involvement of two heavyweights of the scene: Marvin Ruiz of Devourment and Elfi Schramm of Kraanium. Their contributions add even more firepower to what is essentially a full-blown sonic massacre.
Birthing Ceremony kicks things off with a direct, uncompromising assault, while Repulsed by Your Haggard Appearance focuses on groove and abrasive riffing, immediately highlighting the band’s visceral approach. With Perverse Bestial Lactation, featuring Marvin Ruiz, the album reaches one of its most interesting moments, thanks to a combination of sheer heaviness and brutality that perfectly matches the band’s aesthetic. Horrible Cunt is a short, aggressive burst of violence, while Menstrual Marinade further reinforces the record’s slam component. Steeped in Fungal Discharge follows the same path, keeping the pressure high without introducing any significant changes, while Pools of Bile stands out for the weight of its riffs and its groove, which gives the track greater impact. Intravenous Acuphagia and Strong Poison further cement the album’s sonic identity, alternating aggression and sheer heaviness without straying from the core formula. With Molotov Cock-Tease, the band once again prioritizes immediate impact, setting the stage for Soft Foetal Malformation. This fitting conclusion remains true to the sickening, brutal atmosphere permeating the entire record.
Overall, Devoured by Perversion is a solid and ferocious release, heavily influenced by Devourment and Dying Fetus. Its relentless energy makes for a surprisingly fluid listening experience, carrying the album from start to finish without ever losing momentum. As mentioned earlier, this is not an album that breaks new ground. Still, Slaughtercult certainly know how to approach a genre that demands groove, technical proficiency, and dynamism in equal measure. Their formula strikes a balance between these three elements without leaning too heavily on any one of them, making for a thoroughly engaging listening experience.
