SORDID -

SORDID - VALLEY OF PUNISHMENT - DISCONCERT  
It is good to see that despite being signed to Disconcert Music, the label of Quo Vadis’ singer Stephane Paré who guests here, Sordid is a straightforward brutality fest influenced by bands like Cannibal Corpse and Dying Fetus. Some scenesters may spurn the group’s heads-down approach, but taking the essence of death metal as one’s mantra should be considered a badge of honour when the music is played this well. The group, which has its roots in Ottawa-area Morbidity, assails the ears with an energetic mixture of heavy and fast compositions, although it is the combination that makes the most impact obviously. Pathological Surgery and the title track are two possible favourites, while Exiled In Obscurity, no slouch in the speed department itself, throws in a few tempo changes. Digesting The Rotten confirms the band’s awareness of the scene’s fathers with its old-school riffing. The vocalist Christian Therien has a guttural voice and is abetted by co-conspirator Franck Bock who takes the deep side of the well and puts it on the disc. The lyrics are suitably violent and unexpectedly extensive. Past the strikingly similar intro and outro (ehem) and a snare drum sound in need of some juice, Sordid is a delightful testament to the sick will of today’s youth. - Ali “The Metallian”