UK death metal hasn’t seen as much attention in a while, but some new bands are picking up where old bands have left off. Here is a selection of some of the most sinister, destructive, and brutal acts currently making waves within British extreme metal scene.
Unfathomable Ruination are London-based sextet offering old school death metal with their debut album Unfathomable Ruination. Showcasing a spring in their step that may not be apparent from their grunting vocals, Unfathomable Ruination boast a fierce attack that delivers classic rock songs with their soundscape.
Plague Rider
Plague Rider were one of the stand-out acts to emerge from the UK death metal scene and they proved an undeniable force. An extremely fast, brutal band with catchy melodies and Karl Willets’ distinctive vocals set them apart from their peers; further distinguished by blending thrash, death and doom influences into their riffing; their debut Human is an example of their aggressive assault style while Cenotaph saw them increase it with more considered execution of murderous attacks.
Burial Rot are another band with the word ‘rot’ in their name, offering hardcore death metal with a sinister edge. Their self-titled EP pays homage to Autopsy and Behemoth while simultaneously showing the band’s history and passion for destruction that endears them to fans of this genre.
Transcending Obscurity of Glasgow was quick to sign these guys after hearing their three-track demo – and for good reason. These old school Swedeath artists deliver old school Swedeath with all the sledgehammering brutality of Entombed or Carnage fans alike. On their 2017 album Sermons Of Devouring Dead they combine early death metal’s classic sound with more progressive elements for an incredible listening experience.
Cumbrian four-piece Cumbrian are an exciting prospect in death metal circles, channeling early Death and Carcass with hardcore influences while adding their own distinctive take. Necrovictology catapulted them further up the ranks with its horrifying soundscapes and bloody gristle liberally scattered throughout. Expectations are high that with another album on the horizon they could become formidable force to reckon with.
Slugdge
Slugdge may feature goofy slug gimmicks and punny song titles, but they are no joke band. The UK duo has gained momentum and praise with their 2018 effort Esoteric Malacology which propelled them into death metal’s upper ranks. Their unique blend of technical death metal, black metal-influenced riffage and schizoid vocals creates an intoxicating listening experience; Slugdge draws influence from late-era Death, Morbid Angel Cynic Strapping Young Lad and Nile as well as being original re-synthesized so it feels fresh; although their influences may seem obvious – late-era Death Morbid Angel Cynic Strapping Young Lad and Nile to name just some examples – while still remaining their own unique sound;
While genre splicing can often be dangerous and risky, Slugdge manages it effectively and creatively. Their style fuses elements from death metal, black metal and sludge to create something truly original. Their music is intense yet menacing while its slow tempos and thick lead riffs evoke feelings of alienation from an increasingly greedy world gone mad. Their vocals add another level of disorientation with deep gurgled screams and occasional pig squeals creating that death metal sound.
Slugdge’s songwriting abilities are top-of-the-line, featuring an expert balance between technicality and melody. His distinctive grooves and memorable riffs are balanced out with melodic guitar passages that provide respite from the relentless blast beats and machine gun pummeling of Jon Rushforth of ex-Gorerotted. This combination of styles, tempos, instrumentation and styles gives Gastronomicon its distinct identity while captivating fans completely.
Though Slugdge’s musical prowess is evident, their story of survival is truly heart-wrenching. All band members were affected by COVID-19, an infectious disease which severely limited both personal and professional lives of each band member. Now all recovered, all band members appear poised for a bright future in death metal; keep an eye out for Slugdge as they might just become the next big thing in extreme metal! Their unique brand of death/black metal will be sure to please fans of Carcass, Misery Index or any heavy metallers alike; their next release likely push the limits further of death/black metal.
Slimelord
Although the UK may not be as progressive when it comes to extreme metal as its American counterpart, there’s no doubting its essential role in shaping its genre. From Carcass and Bolt Thrower to Cancer and Benediction chugging away at their guitar riffs – its death metal scene remains one of its most essential.
Though most British bands follow their American counterparts when it comes to music genre, some bands like Leeds prog-deaths Cryptic Shift have created their own take. Their 2020 debut Visitations from Enceladus gained plenty of coverage from metal journalists due to its sci-fi leanings and complex rhythms.
Torture Rack are another Welsh duo who take an uncompromising and authentic approach to their music, forgoing any unnecessary frills in favor of a relentless approach that brings out every note in every note they play. Established in 2016, their debut LP Malefic Humiliation showcases three tracks that capture the same sinister groove, manic tremolo riffing and Slayer-esque dynamics as their transatlantic counterparts.
Slimelord emerged from their hometown sewers in 2019 and quickly established themselves as one of the top new bands in UKDM underground music scene. Boasting death doom reminiscent of Autopsy via Obituary with divebomb leads that is as disgusting as they come, Slimelord creates an atmosphere drenched with putridity with every note played – no wonder their music stands out among their peers!
Atvm is another rising band from London. Their melodic death metal style has garnered much praise; their 2019 EP Mob Destruction featured an abundance of groaning guitars, crushing riffs and pounding drums that recall early Cannibal Corpse works and darkly deviant late 80s output by bands such as Death and Sinister.
Undergang are currently working on their full-length album that should establish them as one of the premier Death Metal acts. Their UK tour will include performances alongside fellow DM acts Vacuous and Mortuary Spawn as well as Danish headliners Undergang; dates for these dates have yet to be confirmed but keep an eye out on social media for updates! Plus they’re playing London’s Necropolis festival on May 20 with other metal acts!
Atvm
Death metal is an intricate genre with multiple subgenres and micro-scenes to consider, such as tech death, mosh brutality and caveman idiocy of slam and goregrind; plus bands like UK-based Atvm which provide their own sound of creeping atmosphere, lo-fi aesthetics, DIY mindsets – producing crushing yet cathartic excursions into purist evil that’s as cathartic as it is cruel.
Atvm has recently made waves as one of the more brutal bands to emerge recently, with their debut album Insatiable Thirst for Torment serving as an excellent representation of what makes this style of music great: down-tuned rhythms and bass, droning death growls and an overwhelming sense of dread that’s hard to shake off. Furthermore, Atvm are adept at employing key and tempo changes to keep songs interesting while making full use of melodic guitar riffing potential.
Chuck Schuldiner passed away in 2001, yet his legacy lives on through numerous amazing bands that carry his name – such as Bolt Thrower who are often considered the pioneers of UK death metal with their brutal, clinical style that focused on violence and degradation.
Other influential bands that emerged into the UK scene included Carcass, Necrosanct and Napalm Death. All three shared similar musical visions while each contributed distinct influences – although their sound may have seemed similar at times – their impact upon death metal is incalculable.
Benediction may be one of the most underrated of early UK death metal bands, yet they made an immediate impact with their 1992 debut Maximum Carnage album. Their unique blend of mid-paced groove and manic, tremolo-driven riffing set them apart from transatlantic counterparts; today their journey into hellish evil still resonates as fiercely.
Belgian Carnation formed in 2013, yet their debut LP Chapel of Abhorrence wasn’t released until 2018. But their wait was worth it; their blend of old-school brutality and melodic infectiousness earned them their place on this list, featuring classic death metal songwriting which will have any sub-scene fan holding onto tight.