Album Review: Birdflesh – Sickness In The North (Everlasting Spew Records)

Sickness in the North is the new album from Swedish grind mongers Birdflesh. It will be released by Everlasting Spew Records on CD/tape/vinyl/digital on April 21st, 2023.

Chances are that you’ve already made up your mind about this album before you’ve even heard a second of it. After all it’s grind, features 23 tracks, and none pass the two-minute mark. In fact, the one that gets closest to that time seems at odds with a lot of what else is going on here. It’s a slice of extreme noise that goes for sharp and fast jabs rather than weighty punches.

However, it’s not quite what the label suggests it is and across the 23 tracks there are plenty of surprises. Surprises such as thrashier numbers, clean singing, hardcore infusions, blackened vibes, symphonic layers, and so much. It’s actually quite a fascinating listen as you really can’t predict what might be next.

How freaking rare is that in grind!?

Although be under no false illusions, at its core, it is still very much a mulching monstrosity of intensity. The goal is still to smash the skull, snap the neck, and break the spirit. It will leave an impression even if it needs a few listens to fully immerse yourself within the filth.

Birdflesh – Sickness in the North Track Listing:

1. Gorespring
2. Lavatory Sickness
3. Hammer Smashed Japanese Face
4. Mongolations of Desolation
5. Chained to The Wok
6. Welcome to The Jungle Rot
7. Megalomaniac
8. Funeral Orgy
9. Chainsaw Frenzy
10. Bombraid Bonanza
11. I Will Never Rot
12. Amputee Admiration
13. Incest Melodies
14. Balcony Piss
15. One Tooth Misery
16. Lose the Arise
17. Natural Born Filler
18. Crazy Pit
19. Fat Pigs
20. All the Ages
21. Pedophile Pal
22. All Inclusive
23. Alive to Lose

Links

Spotify | Bandcamp | Facebook | Everlasting Spew Records