RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER

"Ghostmaker" (Candlelight; 2012)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

On their third effort, Rumpelstiltskin Grinder tone down the gimmickry and rev up a potent conglomeration of Euro-tinged blackened death thrash as heard on the 12-track offering, "Ghostmaker."

Culling its sound from both classic bands such as Kreator and Destruction (“Nightworms”) as well as peers like Skeletonwitch and 3 Inches of Blood, this Pennsylvania quartet serves up an unoriginal yet spot-on mix of expedient breakneck rhythms (“Iron Jaw”), over-the-top guitar solos (“Fucking Wild”), tricky melodic death metal structural complexities (“Desert Goblins”), and ominous vocal rasps leading their onslaught.

Propelled by an unrelenting rage, Rumpelstiltkin Grinder blends their metallic influences together to form a solid set of modern heaviness with a bevy of classic overtones.

For more information, check out http://www.rumpelstiltskingrinder.com/.

"Living for Death, Destroying the Rest" (Relapse; 2009)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Fortified with a well-rounded extreme metal assault, the sophomore release by Philadelphia, PA's Rumpelstiltskin Grinder merges classic metal aspects with a blistering delivery on the 10-track "Living for Death, Destroying the Rest."

Meshing galloping black metal, thrash metal guitar runs, beatdown breakdowns, death metal rhythmic devastation and a hardcore punk attitude ("Revolution of Underground Legions"), this quartet's versatility warrants automatic crossover appeal ("Beware The Thrash Brigade," "Fiends in the Mountains, Ghouls in the Valley"). Putting modern spins on sounds from thrash's golden age ("Darkness Never Ending") while injecting a bastardized sci-fi by way of horror movie lyrical slant that gives off a charming storyteller-like vibe and permits a form of chaos made famous by the likes of SOD ("Spyborg"), RSG's stylistic switch ups will keep you guessing while their persistent headbanging crunch manages to project a vibe that is both seriously furious and a whole lot of fun.

For more information, check out http://www.rumpelstiltskingrinder.com/.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

 

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Revised: 22 Jan 2024 20:18:24 -0500 .