EP Review: Atomic Cretins – Spiritual Cancer (Suicide Bong Tapes)

Charged with thunderous energy, Philly’s Atomic Cretins came into existence in 2016. Giving nod to the ‘80s speed/thrash metal, black metal and d-beat, the quartet gave birth to two EP releases consecutively in 2017 and 2018. Additionally, the cretins have routinely kept wreaking havoc like a powerful tornado at the local venues.

The recent lineup change has turned their fierce sonic outing to a different route where the thrash and black metal reign predominantly, and this moderate transformation is noticeable in the forthcoming EP, titled Spiritual Cancer. Apart from highlighting the band’s advocacy of anti-religion, anti-government and pro self-reliance, the five-song EP strides across the satanic and horror arenas as well.

Spiritual Cancer arrives October 26th 2019 via Suicide Bong Tapes on cassette format.

Arriving with the seat of their pants on fire is what everyone else does. Atomic Cretins are the full body burn. Engulfed in flames and kicking the door in while cackling evilly. All in service to to their new EP, Spiritual Cancer.

Mixing black and thrash metal, the richness of the two distinct styles is offset by a raw and uncultured sound. Atomic Cretins sound like they’re in the cubicle next to you while you’re trying to take a peaceful dump.

It’s 5 tracks long and while it is a fast, heavy and dark listen, it’s not great. Picking distinct songs and moments is near impossible as there’s so much bleeding going on here. It’s hard to identity one song from the next, not helped by having such a raw sound.

If you’re looking for 14+ minutes of very angry metal then you could do much worse. It’s just very unlikely it’s going to get multiple spins.

Atomic Cretins – Spiritual Cancer Full Track Listing:

1. Society
2. Satan’s Hounds
3. Out Of The Coffin
4. Dig Your Own Grave
5. Spiritual Cancer

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Suicide Bong Tapes