EP Review: Voodoo Gods – Shrunken Head (Corrupted Flesh Records)

Initially founded under the name “Shrunken Head” in Tampa, the “Voodoo Gods” have established themselves as one of – if not THE – international supergroup of death metal.

For the first release, the EP that bore the initial name “Shrunken Head”, band mastermind Alex von Poischinger (“Alex Voodoo”) the virtuoso drummer and owner of the famous Voodoo Gates recording studio has assembled a superb selection of top stars with former “Manowar”-member Dave Shankle and ex-“Vader” Jacek Hiro on guitars, accompanied by bassist Jean Baudi. The lineup is completed by Mike Browning (ex-Nocturnus), Seth van de Loo, who used to be with Dutch Death Metal institution “Severe Torture” and the infamous Nergal of international top band “Behemoth” on vocals.

The EP was first released on CD in 2007 and includes 22 minutes of fierce and aggressive yet brilliantly written and performed technical / progressive Death Metal. Corrupted Flesh as a long-standing ally of the Voodoo Gods and close personal friend of Alex Voodoo is proud to bring you the first ever and only pro-tape release of this master-piece in a strictly limited collector’s edition of only 100 copies! It will be released on November 26th, 2021.

A little slice of death metal history, presented in a very new and unique way. Fans of extreme metal, fans of collecting and fans of Voodoo Gods have something special to try and get their hands on here.

Four tracks, four chunky blasts of death metal from a unit that does actually put the word ‘super’ in super-group. Shrunken Head doesn’t sound 14 years old, such is the timeless nature of death metal and the wealth of talent in this band.

From the moment the drums signal chaos and the guitars/vocals arrive to decimate everything, Ritual Killing will have death metal fans grinning from ear to ear. This is such a meaty and mean listen, it’s downright joyful.

As is Lion’s Realm Welcome to The Lion’s Reign. One hell of a head-banger with this fantastic guitar solo that cuts through the fattiness of the death metal rhythm. Before The Pulse of Jungle Warfare showcases an even nastier sound, thanks in part, to the varied vocal performances.

Wrapping up with the beastly finale that is The Rise of The Voodoo Ostinati. Voodoo Gods delving deeper into a progressive side of them that was hinted at in the previous tracks. Here, they combine sinister wickedness with frenzied ferocity and eclectic rhythms. Undoubtably brutal still, it’s a track with a bit more imagination and experimentation to it.

Voodoo Gods – Shrunken Head Full Track Listing:

1. Ritual Killing
2. Lion’s Realm Welcome to The Lion’s Reign
3. The Pulse of Jungle Warfare
4. The Rise of The Voodoo Ostinati

Links

Bandcamp