Review: “The Form Of Suffering” by Blightfeeder

It might seem hard to believe but San Antonio Texas Blackened Deathcore heat bringers Blightfeeder are a band who only made us aware of their existence on 30th April 2023. Their first single “Exordium“ arrived on 12th June via the Slam Worldwide YouTube channel having been mastered by the legend that is Buster Odeholm (Humanity’s Last Breath, Vildhjarta, Reflections) before their live debut on 29th December 2023 at Threat Fest V. Fast forward seven months and adorned by stunning artwork from serially abused Deathcore and Death Metal artist Armaada Art (Eighty Thousand Dead, Ammut, Draconian Reign) they unveil their debut EP “The Form Of Suffering“. It’s been a whirlwind. Produced, mixed and mastered in house by their guitarist Evan Wadsworth, the record finds him joined by drummer Ethan Houston, vocalist Juan Garcia, guitarist Jeffery Ashton Dunn and bassist Gabriel Ramirez…

A single which not only put Blightfeeder on the map but buried their flag pole in it and claimed the territory as their own “Exordium” is just as just as good now as when it first appeared. Garcia’s savage vocals combined with those persistent down tuned chugs make him judge, jury and executioner, the Slam inspired moments after a sweeping solo a new level of pain for the ear drums to survive. As a collective the five piece have clearly mastered the dark arts with oppressive, brooding atmospheres lined with sinister edges keeping you on the edge of the seat throughout. As a record, this one has the feel of a page turning dime store horror novel that you simply can not put down. Next up is “Cabal” which absolutely crushes, the chilling introduction setting the scene for the pummelling percussion and blood gargling vocals. Death growls are counterbalanced by other worldly shriller notes in the underpinning vocal layer while a brutal breakdown of gargantuan scale hits like a woman scorned. What’s clever about it is that the guitars aren’t dependent on monolithic chugs from thick gauged strings and have a wealth of nuance about them with a few moments you might expect from the likes of Scott Carstairs of Fallujah in the mix.

Dan Tucker of fellow heavyweights Crown Magnetar is an obvious choice for “Crowned in Revocation“, its rampaging opening blast beat salvos sandblasting the skin at sixty paces. From the speed and energy of that the band transcend into downtempo oblivion with serious prowess before rising once more with a clenched fist of retribution. It seems there is little that Blightfeeder can not do as they cross into Death Metal territory and back once more with ease. Little nuances are littered throughout these tracks, popping out of the mix like ear candy when least expected and giving the record incredible replay ability. Rattling the bones “Fallen Flesh” might be the shortest cut on the record but it’s just as lethal as the rest with Houston giving his all in the jackhammer footwork department. Garcia’s vocals continue to blow the mind, as he finds hitherto unheard gravelly lows to compliment the guitars punchy swagger. A symphonic introduction breathes atmosphere into title track “The Form Of Suffering“, the band then giving us the punishment beating of our lives before allowing a classy piano moment to give this one a touch of Cradle Of Filth. Another Progressive Death Metal solo showcases the talent within this five piece, their ambition matched by their prowess and dedication to craft. The world doesn’t need a hero. It needs an anti hero and Blightfeeder is just that [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Exordium
2. Cabal
3. Crowned in Revocation (ft. Dan Tucker of Crown Magnetar)
4. Fallen Flesh
5. The Form of Suffering

“The Form Of Suffering” by Blightfeeder is out 30th July 2024 and is available over at bandcamp