Cryptic Brood – Necrotic Flesh Bacteria (Review)

Cryptic Brood are back from the darkest and probably most rotten laboratory ever. The band really made a name for themselves in the underground scene in recent years. In addition to small stages, they have also played big festivals such as Party.San and Obscene Extreme. Necrotic Flesh Bacteria is already their third studio album and will be released on November 1st via War Anthem Records, Lycanthropic Chant and Rotted Life Records. 

The name of the record definitely speaks for itself. In addition to an absolutely magnificent album cover, which harmonizes perfectly with the music that Cryptic Brood have created here. It is grimy from the very first note without a doubt. 

Tracks like “Acid Fumes” feel like vomit is being thrown directly at you. The raw sound which is characterized by the pithy screams of drummer Steffen Brandes, makes your whole-body shudder.

The addition of the deep growls is reminiscent of the first works of Carcass. Disgustingly good! Cryptic Brood have always been known for their raw death metal sound mixed with doom and punk parts. Never change a winning system. 

In many places, Necrotic Flesh Bacteria feels like a cult 80s horror movie. Hunted by germs that eat away at the human parts song by song, leaving only a disgusting stench in their wake.

On tracks like “Real of Rot“, it’s the crazy bass lines that really shine. It fits in very well with the album concept of eating bacteria. At the same these elements convey the aspect of horror even more.

The tempo changes on the drums are the band’s bread and butter. The slower moments in particular exude a touch of Autopsy. This also makes the song structure much more varied. Of course, Cryptic Brood have always tried to mix Death and Doom Metal influences. Nevertheless, it seems as if they have now perfected it. In a world full of raw and disgusting death metal and grindcore the Germans are able to create a spot for themselves where they shine among other bands. This process is no coincidence. The DIY attitude is probably their greatest strength. Playing numerous shows and the unstoppable urge to release music is what sets you apart as a band.   

These are all factors that may unconsciously have a major influence on the sound. You can feel the love for death metal in note. Everything sounds like it’s exactly the kind of music these guys are into. Nothing is forced. Everything seems organic and honest.

Necrotic Flesh Bacteria is probably the best material Cryptic Brood have released to date. An absolutely haunting atmosphere that would make any horror movie director green with envy. A whole new level of disgust and putrefaction. Rotten to the core.