Album Review: Infested by Laceration Mantra
Released in 2016, Infested by Australian death metal outfit Laceration Mantra is a raw, unfiltered assault on the senses. This album doesn’t try to sugarcoat its brutality; it’s an ugly, visceral experience that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. With no label backing (released independently under "Not On Label"), the band proves that authenticity trumps polish any day of the week.
The record kicks off with its title track, “Infested,” setting the tone for what’s to come—a relentless barrage of guttural growls, punishing riffs, and blast-beat drumming. It’s the kind of opener that feels like being hit by a freight train, but in a good way. The track establishes the album's central theme: decay, both physical and societal. What sticks out here isn’t just the musicianship—it’s the sheer intensity. You can practically feel the sweat dripping off the cymbals as they crash into oblivion.
Another standout track is “Cadaver Detonation.” If this one doesn’t get your head banging, check your pulse because something might be wrong. The riffage hits hard, almost industrial in its mechanical precision, while the vocals sound like someone gargling gravel mixed with rage. There’s a moment around the two-minute mark where everything drops out except for a haunting guitar melody before exploding back into chaos. That dynamic shift? Pure genius. Tracks like these remind you why death metal exists—to purge negative energy through organized aggression.
Other songs like “Dead When They’re Done” and “Poisonous Preacher” bring their own flavors to the table, blending technicality with groove-laden hooks. And then there’s “Healing Through Bleeding,” which somehow manages to make self-destruction sound poetic—well, as poetic as death metal gets anyway.
What makes Infested memorable isn’t just its heaviness—it’s how unpredictable it feels. Just when you think you’ve got the band figured out, they throw a curveball at you. Whether it’s a sudden tempo change or an unexpected atmospheric break, Laceration Mantra keeps listeners guessing throughout the album’s runtime.
In hindsight, Infested feels less like a debut and more like a statement from a band who knows exactly what they want to say—and isn’t afraid to scream it until their lungs collapse. Sure, it’s not perfect. Some transitions could use tightening, and the production has that DIY grittiness that won’t appeal to everyone. But honestly? Those imperfections are part of its charm.
Final thought: Listening to this album feels like surviving a car crash—you walk away bruised but alive, kinda grateful for the experience. Or maybe that’s just me. Either way, crank it loud if you dare.
