Review: Mammoth Grinder ‘Undying Spectral Resonance’ EP

If there was ever a band that you knew was going to be heavy as fuck just on the name alone, it’d be Mammoth Grinder. I mean, come on, how fucking metal do you need to be to try and grind a mammoth? They’re fucking massive. Anyway, other than a killer band name, they’ve also got a reputation as being one of the more fearsome death metal bands signed to the venerable Relapse Records, and this is where we find their new EP, Undying Spectral Resonance being released.

Returning from a three-year hiatus in 2017 with a more hardcore infused old school death metal sound, rather than their punk/sludgier beginnings, 2018’s Cosmic Crypt set them on the path that Undying Spectral Resonance continues, as opener Corpse Of Divinant roars to life with a relentless, rampaging almost d-beat assault. The title track has some cool as hell squalling lead guitar moments, and feels like a real grinding take on a classic Obituary-esque stomp.

Call From The Frozen Styx is a cosmic, almost ‘80s synth style interlude that provides zero atmospheric respite for us, feeling more like background music from The Thing before Decrease The Peace takes us right back to chugging, death metal supremacy.

a mighty example of how infecting your old school death with a taste of hardcore is truly devastating…

Designed to wreck necks, it is a mighty example of how infecting your old school death with a taste of hardcore is truly devastating when handled by the pros. Closing with Obsessed With Death, a charging tribute to the classic old school death ragers of the late ‘80s, it is clear that Mammoth Grinder have all the weapons they need.

As a taster for what may be next to come from Mammoth Grinder, this EP has all the riffs and carnage you would need, as well as that interlude that hints at an interesting new possibility. Undying Spectral Resonance is a great short blast of classic death metal, infused with chuggy hardcore and we’ve got to be due a new album soon, aren’t we? Until then, just spin this constantly until your brain fills with images of Ice Age mammals being ruthlessly murdered. It won’t take long.

Label: Relapse Records
Band Links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Twitter | Instagram

Scribed by: Sandy Williamson