The Unapologetic Return of Necrambulant: A Deep Dive into Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance
When one thinks of slam death metal, the word “unapologetic” often springs to mind. This genre, characterized by its brutal soundscapes and grotesque lyrical themes, has produced bands that rarely shy away from their dark and depraved roots. Enter Necrambulant, a Phoenix-based quartet that has made waves in the underground scene with their unapologetic approach to music. Their latest offering, Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance, promises to be a return to form after the mixed reception of their previous EP, A Feast of Festering Flesh.
The Context of the Return
The band’s recent press release starts with a surprising quote, addressing the backlash they received for their experimental EP. This candidness raises questions: Did fans truly reject the new direction? Was there a clamor for the return of the classic Necrambulant sound? Such inquiries set the stage for a deeper exploration of their latest work.
To understand the evolution of Necrambulant, I decided to revisit A Feast of Festering Flesh alongside Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance. The former is a raw, unrefined exploration of brutal death metal, reminiscent of early demos from bands like 420 and Internal Bleeding. While it may lack the heft and intricate songcraft of more polished releases, it serves as a nostalgic nod to the genre’s origins. However, it’s hard to fathom how this release could warrant an apology from the band.
The Musical Landscape of Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance
With Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance, Necrambulant aims to re-establish their identity. The album’s title itself suggests a reclamation of their roots, and the music reflects this intent. The tracks are loud, relentless, and firmly rooted in the death metal tradition, drawing influences from iconic bands like Cannibal Corpse and Suffocation, while also nodding to newer acts like Abominable Putridity and Cerebral Incubation.
Despite the band’s self-identification as “inhuman slam grind,” the grindcore elements seem to be somewhat absent. While there are moments of frenetic energy, the overall sound leans more towards a traditional death metal approach rather than the blistering pace typically associated with grindcore. This raises an interesting point about genre classification and the expectations that come with it.
A Safe Yet Satisfying Release
Listening to Upheaval, one might find the compositions to be somewhat generic, albeit executed with skill. The album is undeniably a tighter and more confident release than its predecessor, showcasing the band’s growth and professionalism. However, there’s a lingering sense that Necrambulant may have played it safe in their quest to appease long-time fans.
In a genre that thrives on pushing boundaries, it’s essential for bands to take risks and innovate. While Upheaval is an enjoyable listen that captures the essence of slam death metal, it also raises the question: will Necrambulant continue to explore new territories in their future work, or will they remain tethered to the expectations of their audience?
The Ambition Behind the Brutality
Despite the critiques, it’s important to recognize the ambition behind Necrambulant’s music. The band’s goal seems to be twofold: to deliver a visceral experience that resonates with fans of the genre while also providing a good time. This duality is commendable, especially in a musical landscape that can often feel overwhelming and chaotic.
What’s on display in Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance is a raw, forceful sound that is sure to attract fans of bands like Devourment. The music is designed to evoke strong emotions, whether it’s through its grotesque themes or its relentless energy. In a world that often feels disjointed, Necrambulant’s commitment to creating an enjoyable listening experience is a refreshing approach.
The Future of Necrambulant
As Necrambulant continues to carve out their niche in the brutal death metal scene, there’s a palpable sense of potential for growth. The band has demonstrated their ability to create engaging music that resonates with fans, but the challenge lies in balancing that with a willingness to experiment and innovate.
With Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance set to release on March 7 through Gore House Productions, fans are eager to see how this album will be received. Will it satisfy the long-time supporters while attracting new listeners? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Necrambulant is a band to watch as they navigate the complexities of their sound and the expectations of their audience.
In the end, the journey of Necrambulant is a testament to the evolving nature of slam death metal, and their latest release serves as a reminder of the genre’s roots while hinting at the possibilities that lie ahead.
