Chainsaw Dismemberment (CD - Blue Disc)

MORTICIAN's Chainsaw Dismemberment stands as one of the clearest expressions of what makes the band so singular within extreme metal. Everything here feels sharpened and amplified. The riffs sound impossibly thick, the bass seems to vibrate from the center of the earth, the drum machine fires with unrelenting precision, and the vocals sink into a depth that borders on subterranean. It is the kind of heaviness that feels almost physical, the sort that shakes the walls as much as it entertains. This album also marks the final recording to feature second guitarist Desmond Tolhurst, who previously appeared on Zombie Apocalypse and later continued jamming bass with MALIGNANCY alongside Roger J. Beaujard and Ron Kachnic, adding a meaningful footnote in the band’s lineage.

The album thrives on a simple yet effective formula. Short bursts of grinding violence follow vividly chosen horror samples that set the mood with a mix of atmosphere and dark amusement. MORTICIAN understands exactly how to pair these elements. The samples never feel disconnected from the music. Instead they open each track like a curtain rising on a grisly scene before the band hurls the listener into a whirlwind of rhythm and distortion. It creates an experience that is both cohesive and delightfully chaotic.

What truly stands out is the sense of energy. While the songwriting follows a primal approach, it carries a confidence that makes the material feel purposeful. The grooves hit with surprising weight, particularly during the slower moments where the band shifts from blasting intensity into crushing chugging passages. Those sections give the album its dynamics and keep the momentum alive amid the sheer number of tracks. MORTICIAN plays with absolute conviction, crafting a sound that is raw yet strangely addictive.

Will Rahmer’s vocals remain a highlight. They feel like another instrument rather than a narrative device, a deep and guttural roar that blends perfectly into the dense production. His delivery enhances the world MORTICIAN builds. It is grim, bizarre and oddly charming in its dedication to the spirit of old horror cinema. The synergy between the vocal approach, the samples and the instrumentation gives the album its unmistakable personality.

Chainsaw Dismemberment may not aim for technical complexity or dramatic reinvention, but that is exactly why it succeeds. MORTICIAN embraces their strengths without hesitation. The result is a record that captures the thrill of horror, the joy of absurd heaviness and the appeal of extreme metal at its most unapologetic. It remains a standout for fans who want something fierce, relentless and rooted in atmosphere. MORTICIAN knew exactly what they wanted to create and they delivered it with remarkable force.