The songs rumble and crush at a faster pace as they unravel a primordial brutality; the grim growls are laden with sharp guitar riffs and powerful drumming that set the mood and atmosphere. Tracks like “Horror Manifestations” and “Condemned Reality” are raw and barbaric. The lead guitars add a darker tone that enhances the fiercer, monstrous appeal; however, Rotten Tomb’s songwriting is refined and also similar to early Immolation.

The rhythm and lead guitar work meld unique riffs that fit the style on “Lost Memories”. The track begins with frantic tremolo picking, and drums serve up the morbid growling. There is a noteworthy interplay between catchiness and brutality, but the band bolsters the song with impeccable aggression that incorporates sheer brutality, rather than relying on creating atmosphere. The blazing riffs make this album consistently engaging and less atmospheric; all these elements work in favor of “Vestiges of Tortured Souls”.

Rotten Tomb showcases its ability to write oppressive songs; for example, the guitars on “Waiting, Dying” deliver a monstrous swell of furious riffs. The heavy power chords blend well with the crushing drums; yet the band leaves a small margin for mid-tempo and imbues them with excellent guitar hooks.

Blast beats and fills are incredibly layered throughout the album, where the drums effectively continue to pulverize the listener on several tracks, like “Mortified”. The sinister growls never detract from the ominous tonality, with the lead guitar being the main focus within the composition. This highlight weaves a strong and driven lead guitar and rhythm, firing off a flurry of notes; it also shows their inspiration from early death-doom metal bands.

Another highlight track is “Mind of Chaos”, blending the elements of morbid doom metal. The hooky display of the guitar work exploits a sense of virtuosity. The strong musicianship on the remaining songs focuses on creating the obscurity of ancient death metal and manages to deliver a striking quality. Everything from the drum patterns to guitar chemistry in the mid-tempo and the obscure knack for death metal displays refinement, but the main issue is that the songs are less varied.

“Here Lies Death” and “Ancestral Preservation” push the music forward into the death doom metal territory without sacrificing the unique layers that will get you hooked to the darker, slower riffs.

The straightforward drumming is present in all songs, and the punishing growls seem like they come from the pits of hell. The evil atmosphere reeks out of these filthy tunes of abomination like the slow themes of doom that require much more attention. The final track, “Human Pyre”, which is my favorite track of this album, is also filled with torturous growls and blasphemous death metal fury.

Rotten Tomb has become noteworthy for their sound, and on their third studio album, they give you an impression of immense growth. This is definitely a significant moment for this band, which has gained respect from fans.

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