Unleash your inner metalhead and prepare for a thrilling journey into the depths of death metal with Scythe's 'Boiled Alive'! This Romanian quartet is ready to take you on a wild ride through a curated gallery of horror, blending influences from the likes of Pestilence, Autopsy, and Asphyx to create something uniquely their own. But here's where it gets controversial... Is Scythe's brand of death metal too sticky for some listeners? Let's dive in and find out!
A Death Metal Deep-Dive
In the midst of a recent metal deep-dive, Scythe emerged from the shadows of Bandcamp, ready to bludgeon and captivate. Their self-released debut, 'Boiled Alive', is a grimy, visceral experience that packs a punch from the get-go. The album opens with 'Liquified Entrails', a track that oozes with enough gore to make even the most seasoned death metal fan squirm. But it's not just about the shock value; Scythe's songwriting is savvy and avoids clumsy transitions, creating an entrancing experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
A Unique Brew
Scythe concocts a unique brew by interweaving Asphyx-ian drudges with Mercilessly hectic eruptions. The album simmers with ever-shifting tempos, imbuing it with vivacity and a disarming blend of chops and accessibility. 'Of Pure Goriness' is a standout track, flitting between a mid-paced slink and rabid surges of hostility, and sounds like the crossbred bastard of Cannibal Corpse and Dismember. Scythe's ability to nimbly jump between accelerated clips and more measured velocities is electrifying, and their seamless agility is all the more impressive considering the band has no other projects or credits to their names.
Musicianship and Production
The musicianship on 'Boiled Alive' is especially tight for a band formed just three years ago, and the mix highlights the band's technical acumen. Rather than feature the glossy veneer popular with bigger labels, the album sports a dry, natural texture that allows Scythe's instrumentation to glisten. The production is reminiscent of Invictus' release last month, with every whack on a tom and clang on the bass afforded an organic timbre, imparting a raw aesthetic that lets Scythe sizzle. David Rolea's drumming is a standout, rattling off meticulous snare rolls and punky, snare-kick combos with enviable effortlessness.
A Thrilling Experience
'Boiled Alive' is a thrilling experience from start to finish, with a mix of part-thrashy, part-doomy, and all deathly vibes. Scythe swings for the fences, and dammit, it's great. The album writhes and squirms with purulent pizzazz, and I'm guilty many times over of restarting it as soon as the final track concludes. While there are some minor nitpicks, such as the desire for more solos and variety in Constandache's vocals, these should be taken as wishlist items for the band rather than anything inherently off with the album. Scythe discharges riffs and fun with an enviable effortlessness that should have death metal dealers and appreciators paying attention.
Rating and Release
Rating: Great
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Self-Released
Websites: Bandcamp (https://scythegash.bandcamp.com/album/boiled-alive) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/scythe_band/)
Releases Worldwide: February 1st, 2026
