Review: “Purgatory Carnival” by Spreading the Disease

Over the past twelve years Kent Groove Metal merchants Spreading the Disease have been busy making a name for themselves with incendiary live performances all across the United Kingdom however EP “Purgatory Carnival” represents something of a new dawn for the five piece. That’s because the record is the first with a line up established in 2023 that finds original bassist, backing vocalist and founding member Steve Saunders (Hair of the Dog, Avoidance of Doubt) joined by drummer Donal McGee (Vesicarum) vocalist Johnny P alongside guitarist duo Thorsten Giertsch and Daniel Stevenson (Mouthful of Flies, Bloodstone, The Jupiter Gate). Its safe to say the quintet have a wealth of experience under their collective bullet belts and having had the pleasure of witnessing them perform some of these songs at last years incarnation of the Slammer Weekender at Manchester Rebellion, we might already have an idea about what we’re in for…

While the band share their name with that infamous Anthrax album from 1985, that’s pretty much where the similarities end because Spreading the Disease are an entirely different beast. Luring the discerning listener to their death on the jagged rocks like a siren’s song “Addicted” begins with a classy bass line from Saunders with a crisp, clean and thunderous drum sound from McGee providing a rhythmic foundation of pure class. The riffs are fast and loose in accompaniment to the fierce vocal performance from Johnny P with hints of influence from 90’s bands like Snot and Pissing Razors. There is method to the madness with a message in the lyrical narrative and the lead licks offer the warmth of a single malt whiskey served with a single cube of ice. “Fissure” has an almost predatory main riff with jackhammer footwork and slapped bass that all helps in pushing the envelope of the catchy chorus; the melodic solo a masterstroke, the metaphorical equivalent of adding salt to your caramel. Another one that captures the spirit and aggression of the the early 90’s, it has that raw edge that gives it a real charm.

There is something in the guitar tone of “Warblade” that gives it the flavour of early Slipknot, the chugging mid-tempo riffs flying in all directions before a intricate, technical solo shows there is more to the band that might initially meet the ear. Johnny P once again brings the vocal ferocity to match the those pummelling grooves and his lyrical narratives resonate against the backdrop delivered with verve and swagger. Title track “Purgatory Carnival” breaks the shackles of the earlier three tunes with a melodic introduction and mid section that draws from the poison well of 2003 era American Metalcore before returning to their trademark groove laden elements. While the first verse feels a little cramped lyrically, elsewhere it impresses with slick Thrash influenced riffs that showcase another dimension to the bands offering while maintaining their incendiary energy. While they might not be doing anything you haven’t heard before, what Spreading the Disease do is done with such quality that you just can’t help but enjoy every second [7/10]

Track Listing

1. Addicted
2. Fissure
3. Warblade
4. Purgatory Carnival

“Purgatory Carnival” by Spreading the Disease is out 27th February 2026 and is available over at bandcamp