Trigger The Bloodshed delivers that brutality, but also include other elements that make Purgation a first-rate death metal CD. The songs are short, most of them clocking in at anywhere from one to three minutes. During that time they pack in ferocious guitars and devastating blast beats.
Nonstop speed and intensity can get monotonous, which is why from time to time Trigger The Bloodshed dials back the tempo to create some diversity. There are also things like the instrumental "The Defiled," which has orchestral elements, and shows a different side of the band. The atmospheric "Hollow" also gives the listener a respite before the crushing death/grind begins anew.
The vocals on the CD range from guttural death metal growls to higher pitched shrieks. They are pretty much unintelligible, although a few recognizable words and phrases pop out once in a while. Purgation is a potent debut CD, and Trigger The Bloodshed are out to prove they are one of the next big things in death metal. Time will show if they have the staying power, but they're off to a great start.
(released August 19, 2008 on Metal Blade Records)
