I don’t know if it’s just me, but lately I’ve hit a rut in that nothing has grabbed me by the seat of the pants lately. Not to say that there hasn’t been any good stuff out this year. So has I delve into this, the debut full-length from PUTRIDITIUM, I’m sorry to mention that the trend may continue. We have a fairly new introduction to a band that admittedly started in 2022, and they are perhaps still finding their footing in a genre that, for lack of a better word, is being overwhelmed by everything good or bad. Hence, I want to take the more optimistic approach to this release and dwell more on the positive. Obviously, I would not be a fair reviewer if I did not mention the negative, but we will get to that in due time. Now, on first listens, I was periodically pulled in by the semi-interesting riffing and the slight OBITUARY / DEICIDE approach with touches of SACRAMENTUM to their songwriting, which, admittedly, I don’t think is a sound style that is utilized much. At least from my point of view. At times, you will get the aforementioned DEICIDE chug going in the song, then a time change kicks in to introduce more of those melodic elements. Be it the solos or some of the riffing. It gives a bit of a different outlook to their material. So now to the pessimistic side of the coin. The main issue that I do have is that the vocalist is very monotone in his growl / delivery. A less dynamic Glen Benton, and it makes for a slightly monotonous listen. At only six songs, you wouldn’t think this would be an issue, but at times I found my mind wandering, and to add to that fact is the songwriting contains no true dynamics either. Much like the vocals, they tend to ride one path. It also doesn’t help matters is the very flat production as well. It seems all color by numbers and not much stands out. Like previously stated, I tended to drift off to other matters and not focus on much of what I was hearing. I know this is their first full-length, and there is plenty of time to grow and infuse their own brand of Death Metal with some interesting elements down the line. Time and effort can work wonders you know? To close this up on a positive note, I can see the album cover art being a kick ass tour t-shirt. Between the logo and that truly Metal artwork, I would definitely get in line for that for myself. So take a look at this and let’s see what happens in the future. More info at: www.facebook.com/putriditium, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563068500501