The chainsaw-doused RIPPED TO SHREDS return once again with the second conceptual full-length record “亂 (Luan)”, ten serrated tracks of galling, uncompromising Death Metal with labyrinthine structures; loosely based on an ancient Chinese war-themed folktale.
With a fresh line-up consisting of Justin Bean (Trenchrot, Daeva, etc) and Tom Warrior (Obscure Transmissions, Death Fortress, Siege Column, etc), “亂 (Luan)” also features forward-thinking sixstringer Takafumi Matsubara (Gridlink, Retortion Terror, etc), Phil Tougas (Chthe‘ilist, Funebrarum, etc) and Horrendous axeman Damian Herring on guest guitar solos. “亂 (Luan)” truly bridges the gap between old and new Death Metal by incorporating an interesting twist to a closely guarded sound for decades.
Mixed by Greg Wilkinson at Earhammer Studio (Atrament, Extremity, Necrot, etc), mastered by Damian Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studio (Blood Incantation, Suffering Hour, Witch Vomit, etc) and imposingly monumental artwork by Chinese artist Guan Yang (Infant Annihilator, Ritual Day, etc).
Vinyl versions of “亂 (Luan)” will be lavishly denominated in the following variants:
- 100 copies Mustard & Orange Merge with Black, Gold and Brown Splatter Vinyl
- 100 copies Beer Inside Ultra Clear with Orange and Yellow Splatter Vinyl
- 300 copies Black vinyl
Extremely inventive and multifaceted sci-fi prog death, just like iridescent ethereal world on the cover art. Best band's achievement up to date. And easily in 2023 AOTY list Dmitry Nevozhay
An outstanding Extreme doom death album, in the best tradition. The funerary atmosphere reminds of Evoken ('Centuries of ooze" bears striking similarities, for my delight). It is overall sharp, dark, hypnotic and unrelenting. One of those rare convincing new bands that hold proud the legacy of the biggest names. Bertrand Marchal
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never been a big death metal fan but this is actually super accessible for the genre, has fun concepts, and personally i'm always a fan of albums with short tracklists and huge runtimes (for individual songs) Great time, good jumping on point for newbies too. alienasu