Review: Reekmind ‘Mired In The Reek Of Grief’

After my last review of some intergalactic tech-death that wooed with its complexity and pristine production, I needed to be pulled back down to earth, submerged right back into the mire and filth we call home. Luckily, the opportunity to review some low-down dirty death-soaked sludge reared its head and I gladly opened myself up to Mired In The Reek Of Grief from Sydney, Australia’s newest purveyors of darkness, depression and all things harrowing Reekmind. 

Reekmind bring some rancid death-doom to the table and twist it up with elements of sludge to make it that extra bit nasty. Trudging riffs are combined with bouncing drums and abrasive vocals to create a twisted, angry and oppressive atmosphere.

If I’m being perfectly honest, I enjoyed my first listen, but it felt like it was missing something, a little fleshing out maybe, but all that was immediately forgotten with closer A Lingering Mephitic Fog. A killer, emotionally driven slab of death-doom that is soaked in vile atmosphere and excellently paced that’s easily the best track on the record. We’re not quite talking a Grief or Noothgrush record here, but there is some clear influence in the way they channel everything that is harsh and miserable.

It’s moody, filthy and as heavy as lead…

Upon repeat listens, my thoughts changed as the record keeps the pace and quality of A Lingering Mephitic Fog, sometimes chucking in some crushing mid-paced death, which can be heard on the opening to Slithering Spell, all while maintaining that oppressive darkness that made the final track stand out. Much of this is down to the huge riffs being chucked out by guitarist Nicholas who does a great job across the whole record. Midway track Wading In A Body Of Death is the other highlight on the record, a long drawn out ode to all things death. It’s moody, filthy and as heavy as lead.

So, after an initial raised eyebrow and a few thoughts of ‘hmmm this is cool but…’ Mired In The Reek Of Grief turned me around and was quick to provide a thoroughly enjoyable, yet soul draining listen. Great effort for a debut record from these Aussie monsters. Fans of Coffinworm, Primitive Man and Lord Mantis should enjoy this so go pick it up and enjoy getting crushed under its hefty ol’ weight.

Label: Night Terrors Records
Band Links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram

Scribed by: Matt Alexander