Nunslaughter: Ripping It Up Again...

Nunslaughter requires no introduction.

Since 1987, these Ohio natives have prolifically perfected their own brand of Devil metal: an evil blend of classic death metal and hardcore punk. And by “prolifically,” Nunslaughter are likewise serious; their catalogue of records released rivals that of Japan’s Sabbat and Agathocles, both of whom the band has done splits with. Through it all, World-renowned label Hells Headbangers have been diehard fans, and have released countless Nunslaughter records going all the way back to the label’s earliest days in 2003.

And while Nunslaughter are largely renowned for being an EP band, any chance to welcome a new full-length from them is cause for (devil metallish) celebration: at long last, Red is the Color of Ripping Death, the band’s first album in seven years is almost upon us. Many are still mourning the loss of legendary drummer Jim Sadist (RIP), and while Red is the Color of Ripping Death is their first full-length without him playing on it, some of the fourteen songs contained herein are unfinished/unrealised music that Jim and founding frontman Don of the Dead wrote years ago.

Just as importantly, this album comprises material newly written with Nunslaughter’s current lineup, which is arguably the band’s best to date. And hearing is believing: over the course of the album’s thirty five minutes, it becomes immediately apparent that Nunslaughter are a really good – and really ripping – death metal band above all. Largely gone (or least sublimated) is the hardcore punk influence, and in its place is an absolutely furious onslaught of catchiness and causticity. Armed with the best-sounding production on a Nunslaughter record ever, not to mention Don of the Dead reaching new heights/depths of maniacal perversity, Red is the Color Ripping Death truly brings the band to a different level of Devil metal.

“As Sadist says, RED IS THE COLOR OF RIPPING DEATH!!” Long live Jim Sadist, and long live Nunslaughter!