I really dislike taking about heavy metal in any depth with anyone who doesn’t really know me, because it never goes well. Usually I get, “Oh yeah, I like Disturbed,” and we’re not even on the same planet. It’s also a challenge when I mention death metal and the assumption is these are cave people who can’t play a lick. Again, not my favorite situation.

Anyone who thinks death metal bands are a bunch of brutes who can’t play their instruments can get a heavy education from Laceration on their punishing, yet technically proficient second record “I Erode.” Sure, there are plenty of other bands that can handle that task, but we’re talking Laceration today, and anyone who takes on this nine-track, 32-minute scorcher will have to admit their foolishness. The band—vocalist/guitarist Luke Cazares, guitarist Donnie Small, bassist Eli Small, drummer Aerin Johnson—follows in the footsteps of like-minded beasts such as Death and Morbid Angel as a force that can grind your face in ugliness and blood but also have the chops to leave you heaving.

“Degradation (Intro)” opens with synth beams hovering, eeriness spreading like a noxious cloud and breaking over “Excised” that lands heavy blows as death reigns. Growls hammer as the guitars increase the steam, with exploratory leads giving off a bit of a sci-fi edge. The pace then changes and drubs, howls slashing as the playing batters to a finish. “Sadistic Enthrallment” opens with a clip from “Hellraiser” before the playing bludgeons, punishing with coarse growls and ripping fire. The playing encircles as destruction is amplified, and precise, laser-sharp soloing cuts a hole in muscle, stampeding on its way out. “Vile Incarnate” opens with a speedy jolt, an aggressive push grinding teeth and bone. Throaty howls lacerate as the guitars go off, thrashing and trudging, the leads speeding through the night sky. “Dreams of the Formless” is a classic-style metal instrumental, acoustics initially setting the stage before electricity engulfs. Elegance and steam build as the playing takes you through decades of metal history, leaving a bloody taste in your mouth.

“Carcerality” punishes and splatters, drums laying waste, the guitars on a massive attack, melting with heat and speed. The soloing is sharp and furious, making your head spin as everything comes to a rousing finish. “Strangled By Hatred” attacks from the bell, landing heavy blows and chilling with the howl of, “Never to let go!” The guitars open up and consume, full-bodied insanity barreling down a hill, the insanity driving to a hellish conclusion. “Impaling Sorrow” is a total assault that scrambles brains and the signals inside, chugging and brutalizing as eyes are blackened easily. Growls smash as the technicality goes to a new level, the pace battering to a vicious end. The closing title track crushes, the gas pedal hammered, entangling with thrashy intent. Strong leads go on an adventure and drag you along, and vibrant colors are dashed all over the carnage. The bruising multiplies, guitars glow as dual melodies strike, and the embers fade slowly.

“I Erode” is a dazzling display of classic death metal splashed with modern blood, and Laceration waste no time making their statement on this devastating second record. It’s properly brutal, but it’s also a fascinating listen as they explode with musical prowess and tenacity that goes beyond simple skullduggery. Whether you’re new to the game or have been dining in death’s halls for decades, everyone can come together over this platter and feast to your heart’s content.

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/lacerationofficial

To buy the album, go here: https://www.20buckspin.com/collections/laceration

For more on the label, go here: https://www.20buckspin.com/