Year: 2022
Total Time: 33:25
Label: Unique Leader Records
What defines the nearly 20-year lifespan of JUNGLE ROT from Kenosha, Wisconsin (fellows of ELECTRIC HELLFIRE CLUB and LAZARUS AD) is undoubtedly consistency. Consistent in the American version of Death Metal and loyal to the groove doctrine, they released their eleventh studio album with the martial title “Call To Arms” and a similar lyrical theme of war, human extinction and death.
JUNGLE ROT have always had the ability to mix groove with some Thrash touches, here in “Call To Arms” they don’t differ significantly. With songs that bring to mind “Leprosy” era of DEATH, SEPULTURA ( Cavalera brothers period), OBITUARY and even SLAYER (I dare to write), the record flows like gurgling water. The speeds are not excessive, maybe in “Vengeance And Bloodlust” let alone in “Total Extinction” for a short period of time to gas up but not to the extent of blasting, however they are not characterized as slow either, somewhere in the mid tempo I would place them. Randomly, the influences from BOLT THROWER also appear, not only in the subject and lyrical matter but again you are comparing two disparate things, a truck garage with an advancing army of battle tanks. We won’t find flourishes and extravaganzas here, we are talking about the epitome of simple and targeted Death Metal, but the rhythm is catchy and several times you will catch yourself rhythmically tapping your foot on the floor.
The only remaining guitarist and vocalist Dave Matrise (since 1993) guides the rest of the band with wisdom and prudence, while the newcomer and younger drummer Spenser Syphers adds points with his youthful enthusiasm and energy, which is especially useful in live concerts. “Call To Arms” should be heard in its entirety and not in fragments, moreover it does not last more than half an hour, which is also in line with the characteristics of US Death Metal. What struck me on the first listen was the individuality and clarity of the acoustics concerning the instruments, I didn’t expect that to be honest from a band of this caliber, until I read that the album was mixed and mastered by the great Dan Swano (now the situation is explained!). Overall, “A Call To Arms” is definitely a release to pass your time pleasantly, without innovations and stunts, being essential for every Death Metal fan, but to speak honestly. after a few auditions it will hardly be sought to be played again.
Rating: 6.5/10
Editor: Dimos Karadimos
Related Link: JUNGLE ROT – Official Page
