Band – Wounds
Album – Ruin
Country of Origin – USA
Genre – Technical Death Metal
Release Date – March 15, 2024
Label – Everlasting Spew Records
Author – Hayduke X
We are thrilled today to bring you the video for the third single from “Ruin,” the debut full length from Wounds. Hailing from just around the lake (Lake Michigan, for those not in the know) from us West Michiganders, in the mighty city of Chicago, Wounds plays an aggressive style of tech death. This particular track is a punch to the jaw, but with finesse! The video shows the band from different angles, in black and white, sometimes showing the whole band, as if playing live, and sometimes focusing on a specific member looking VERY METAL! Check out the track and video, then jump below for my full review of “Ruins.”
Wounds have actually been around a long time, originally forming as an instrumental duo in 2006 called Wounds of Ruin. Since then, through a hiatus and the addition of a couple of other members at different times, the band has become the monstrous quartet which released the underrated EP “Light Eater” in 2019. Those of us paying attention took notice, and have been eagerly awaiting more ever since. On March 15th, we finally get our wish as “Ruin” will be visited upon an unsuspecting world.
Those who have been long time readers may wonder why I’m reviewing a tech death album. It’s true that the style is one that often leaves me cold and bored. I’m writing this because Wounds, in the relatively small amount of material released so far, is a consistent exception. They do tech death correctly, or at least in a way that I can appreciate. There is plenty of high-wire guitar artistry and fancy technique, but at its core, this is an album I wouldn’t want to meet alone in a dark alley. There is also a tough, knuckle-dragging side to this album, and it’s all the better for it.
“Ruin” is a statement release for a band that is both long running in one way (20 year anniversary in two years) and still in its infancy (this is the debut full length). It is clear that the band has a clear and brutal vision, that they are gifted composers, and that they are talented musicians. The best part? There are currently three tracks available to hear (including The Archfiend’s Apothecary) and all are excellent, but the best track on the album (in my opinion, In The Maw Of The Beast) is yet to come. In other words, as good as this is, it’s going to get even better!
The album can be preordered from the Everlasting Spew Records Bandcamp or website.
Biography: Hayduke X has been writing for MoshPitNation since June of 2016. He is also a contributor to The Metal Wanderlust. Prior to joining the MoshPitNation team, Hayduke published reviews on his own blog Rage and Frustration. In addition, he has DJ’ed an online metal radio show of the same name as his blog, written for TOmetal.com, done interviews for Metal Rules, and collaborated with The Art of B Productions to create video interviews with a wide variety of bands.
