RATS OF GOMORRAH are a two-piece modern Death Metal band consisting of drummer Moritz Paulsen and guitarist / vocalist Daniel Stelling, based out of Germany. From 2009 to 2023, the band was called DIVIDE, where they released two full lengths before calling it quits. “Infectious Vermin” is the first proper debut release from RATS OF GOMORRAH, consisting of 13 tracks at around 46 minutes in total length, released through Testimony Records. Opening with ‘Swarming Death’, the band demonstrates the essence of the record right from the start; mid-tempo stomping Death Metal with an almost perfect blend of groove and melodic structuring. Fast start / stop riffing during the verses collide with monstrous double-tracked vocals during the chorus, a half-time segment adds a slamming element to the music. Other tracks, such as ‘Narcissus’ sees the band channeling “Domination” era MORBID ANGEL both in technicality and vocal distortion. ‘Rise From The Abyss’ is a synth-based interlude whose main motif is the primary melody for ‘Rattenkönigin’, which itself is an almost Black Metal like piece complete with its haunting single-note melody played atop a sinister sounding chord progression. ‘Night Orbit’ is a slow, crawling number with synth flourishes and grotesque double-tracked vocals, serving as a needed change of pace and rhythm for the record. ‘Asleep On A Dagger’ and ‘Strychnos’ are absolutely packed with powerful riffing and tempo transitions, with some of the strongest guitar work on the entire record. ‘Towers, Ropes And Knives’ features a brilliant harmonized melody at the beginning, with ‘Judas Goat’ being another example of mid-tempo groove-packed riff-forward composition. ‘Vat Of Acid’, the album’s closer, is a brilliant mix of tremolo riffing, chilling chord voicing and an almost Black Metal style vocal delivery, a truly worthy closer to “Swarming Death”. Modern Death Metal suffers from a number of problems; overproduction, relatively bland riffing, composition stagnation, amongst other issues, but RATS OF GOMORRAH dodge these pitfalls and put forth a surprisingly good listen for a debut modern Death Metal album. With plenty of detail packed into each song, the record grows on you with multiple listens and there’s enough variation from song to song that thirteen tracks seem to fly by while listening. “Swarming Death” is for fans of modern Death Metal that want something fresh and unique from the scene. An excellent performance for a two-member band, many listeners will be left wanting more. For more info on RATS OF GOMORRAH, check out www.facebook.com/ratsofgomorrah and for additional information on Testimony Records, see www.facebook.com/testimonyrecords.