The mid-1990s patterns of bands such as Convulse are showcased in the impressive guitar solos and dark, rhythm-driven guitars, with the songs played at an overwhelming pace. Right off the bat, Malformed wields full blasting on double drum pedals over the guitar barrages in the opening track ‘Within the Flesh’. The sway of Trey Azagthoth (Morbid Angel) is evident in the form of the spiraling guitar solos and cadaverous ugly death metal growls that assault your ears from the onset of this filthy record.

The band does not emphasize only speed and brutality, as there’s more to be uncovered in the thundering mid-paced sections? ‘Confinement of Terror’ excels in ultra-speed and the guitars are memorable in terms of their blistering riffs. Dark Descend Records has never released any average death metal albums. This being said, the sophomore album plunges into a ferocious sound and stands fairly above the average death metal bands.

The brutal roars along with the heavy riffage fitting in the album’s context, ‘Obscure Wails from Beyond’ incorporates a variety of double bass drums, face-melting solos and ripping tremolos layered in the brutal inclination. There is a sense of atmosphere that drives these songs, which often alternates between technicality and classic death metal aggression, reminding me of early Monstrosity albums.

The surge of tremolo sends a barrage of lightning-fast thrusts, the bass guitar is prominent in the mix and the production is crystal clear, which adds a dynamic quality to ‘Abnormal Eulogy’. The songwriting presents plenty of gloomy riffs and technicality. With each passing track, Malformed offers a class of its inspiration, and the quartet presents complex mid-paced grooves. There is more than monotonous speed.

The gore spewing growls are strewn over a catchy mid-paced section with drums measured by aggression, and almost every track must feature excellent solo sections. Malformed takes a raw and solid approach to death metal in ‘Eyes Torn Out’, highlighting the catchy lead guitar through intense blasting percussion. The dynamics are madly unleashed, keeping you in a loop of bewilderment. ‘Confinement of Flesh’ is tailored to meet your taste; the brooding, cadaverous atmosphere provides comparisons to early Finnish bands.

‘Depredate the Divine’ offers the listener sinister, stomping riffs and ultra-heavy bass lines that descend in barbaric and obscure fashion. There is an obvious Morbid Angel influence on a track like ‘Return of the Plague’. The in-your-face blasting drum sections and double bass are done furiously and intensely, which will impress fans.

Malformed sounds fantastic: their nine crushing tracks are supercharged. The album is fueled by constant brutality. The album concludes with two tracks, ‘Shattered Illusion’ and ‘The Incoming Rapture‘, which are full of skull-crushing brutality and hefty, furious riffs. Malformed has spawned from the underworld to present its ultimate embodiments of raw and classic death metal.

The first studio album is concise in its relentless assault, chugging riffs and heavy bombardment. I can’t find any complaints about this filthy record. However, more originality would always be welcomed on future releases.

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