Sanshi CD

RIPPED TO SHREDS make a triumphant return with Sanshi, delivering the band’s signature blend of old-school death metal grit and blistering grind energy. Led by guitarist and vocalist Andrew Lee, this San Jose crew channels relentless drumming, razor-sharp dual guitar solos, and fierce, van Drunen-inspired vocals into a truly punishing sound. At its core, Sanshi explores the macabre realm of death and the afterlife through the lens of traditional Chinese folklore, weaving dark imagery into each track. The lead single, “Perverting the Funeral Rites,” draws on an unusual Taiwanese custom where exotic dancers perform at funerals, while “Force Fed” references the legend of Meng Po’s “Elixir of Forgetfulness,” said to erase memories before rebirth. Elsewhere, “Living in Effigy” reflects on real-life stories of photographers who journey through rural China to capture funeral portraits of the forgotten elderly. The album’s evocative cover, created by artist Guang Yang, depicts Yan Luo Wang, the God of Hell, presiding over the souls who stand trial in his infernal court. With Sanshi, RIPPED TO SHREDS once again prove why they’re at the forefront of today’s extreme metal scene.