COFFIN ROT - Dreams of the Disturbed (Review)

Written by: Blackie Skulless

After five years, the band that released my favorite non-classic era death metal album of all time finally came back for a second serving. Portland’s Coffin Rot dropped a demo compilation and a single in the time since 2019, but until now, A Monument To The Dead has been their only full length. Dreams Of The Disturbed came in for an attack somewhat quickly, keeping the structure similar. Seven swift tracks topped off by a more lengthy eighth track remains the name of the game.

Stylistically, there’s not much deviation from what we got the first time around. Chunky, death metal rhythms with some of the deepest, crushing vocals surrounding themes of gore, filth, horror, and death still make up the majority of the formula with Hayden and Co. The only real change is that clarity plays a bigger role in this, allowing for some slightly more nuanced solos and transitions to make an appearance. The rare but punishing higher vocal shriek comes through with more conviction, and the general delivery of the songs feels oh-so less dirty.

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Because Dreams Of The Disturbed is such a sleek blow, it’s able to get away with not fixing what ain't broken. That doesn’t mean that it’s without standouts, however. “Lurking In The Cemetery” is a menacing stomper, building suspense off of slower and crawling riffs that lead to the crushing bulk. Its main hook is quite catchy, similar to the chorus in “Perverted Exhumation,” one of the first things I noticed. Opposing this is closer “The Howling Man,” one that’s far less forgiving and invites the listener down a cavernous gauntlet of horror, being the record's most blistering tune. And of course, I love the way “Hands Of Death” jumps around with jarring and explosive chops working together nicely.
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​Coffin Rot may not have reinvented their sound or really changed much in tactic, but the second time around certainly showed that they’re still strong in terms of songwriting and delivery. Straight and to-the-point albums with fun little intricacies that you gather as you revisit have all sorts of charm. I would be very curious to see which direction the band takes moving forward. The chances of anything being held as close to my heart as the debut are slim, but this is easily worthy of hearing for fans of the death metal genre.

Coffin Rot - Dreams of the Disturbed was released September 20th via Maggot Stomp. Find it here!

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Coffin Rot can be found:
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