After the already promising MCD debut "Body Bits" (2002) and the excellent "The Putrid Remains" full-length in 2003, one of my favourite newer Dutch Death Metal bands resurfaces with a fantastic promo CD containing three new tracks. ‘Masses Of White Lank Bodies’, ‘Black Steaming Cancerous Entrails’ and ‘Totgemetzelt Im Shützengraben’ (killer title, but hey guys, you forgot the ‘c’ – it’s "Schützengraben") present PUTREFIED stronger than ever. Unlike PYAEMIA, ARSEBREED, DISAVOWED the quintet here doesn’t sound once again like SUFFOCATION or DISGORGE (US). What you get is brutal, straight and old-fashioned guttural, pummelling Death Metal that has a production of modern standard but also some early to mid-90s dark, heavy feel certainly inspired by acts like ROTTREVORE, PARALYSIS (if anyone remembers them) or INCANTATION. The three-tracker comes across a little more diverse and sound-wise perfected in comparison to its predecessors, however the bass drum could still sound a bit more raw, more old school, less triggered – guess you know what I mean. Apart from that the production has an outstanding cymbal sound, crushing guitars and overall the perfect balance between transparency and uncompromising hard-hitting punch. Regarding the songwriting track one and two impressed me the most: an increased number of riffs, more variation tempo-wise and even a decent touch of "melody" makes the songs variable, catchy and not just monotonously blasting, but also nicely funereal and doomy at times. PUTREFIED know what traditional, "real" Death Metal should be about and this promo CD makes me lust for way more!!! Two thumbs up! Also the cover is very tasteful and reminds me of pleasure and terror I had while playing the PC-game "Doom 3". So, if you are interested in this little appetizer for the new album check the website for mp3 and further info or write to bluuuurgh@quicknet.nl (hope I had the right number of u’s). Band website: http://come.to/putrefied