Maggot Stomp - 2020
7/10
Before we got the refreshing death metal release known as Death Age, the U.S. outfit Kommand had another short blast of war and carnage, also composed of six tracks that didn't reach the thirty-minute mark. Titled Terrorscape, it’s a far more raw, rough, and overall discomforting dose of the style, aiming for a nastier sensation. Much noise gets through the proverbial strainer, giving the already chunky riffs even more bite. If that’s not enough, there’s a grindy hint tacked to the sides, pairing well with the hornet-buzzing guitar tones.
In other words, this very much captures the feeling that the grainy artwork displays, casting everything that could musically make one think of war, death, and massacre out in a menacing way. Vocally, it sounds furious in every corner, leaving little room for rhythmic standout. “Siege” definitely gives the most of this, and a lot of the best parts are when an isolated riff leads the direction of a song. This is even achieved with the bass at times, seen in “Archibloodago,” but for the most part, this is meant to work as an all-at-once experience of misery.
So it shouldn’t really be surprising that Terrorscape offers little in the realm of precision. For the most part, I would recommend submerging yourself in this for the easily achieved sole purpose of conveying torturous existence through nasty growls, crushing riffs, and a musty atmosphere all at once. Looking for anything else would be rendered futile, but for what Kommand was trying to do, I can appreciate it.
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