After years of being out of print, Repulsive Echo Records has given new life to both of Gutted's releases hailing from Toledo, Ohio. In the early to mid-'90s, Gutted garnered considerable attention in the death metal scene. These reissues are highly sought after by collectors, and it's evident that a repressing may be in demand, considering the current scarcity of these reissues despite their recent appearance.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Gutted is that three of the four members, known as the Ditch brothers, were actually siblings. Mark handled the brutal vocal duties and laid down the guttural basslines, Scott was the rhythmic backbone on the drums, and the late Michael, who tragically passed away four years ago due to brain cancer, commanded the six-string devastation. This familial connection added a unique layer to their identity, making their story all the more compelling.
But don't let the family ties fool you; Gutted was a relentless force in the brutal death metal scene. Their debut album, "Bleed For Us To Live," unleashed in 1994 via Red Light Records, cemented their position as a prominent act in the genre. Back then, Red Light Records was rapidly becoming a home for brutal death metal, and Gutted was at the forefront of this movement, with their album being heavily promoted.
In addition to their studio recordings, Gutted's live performances were legendary. Gutted was not only musically fierce but also down-to-earth and cool individuals who could truly deliver on the stage.
One of the band's unique traits was their songwriting approach. Unlike many death metal bands of the time, who typically churned out 3-4 minute tracks, Gutted dared to stretch the boundaries. Their songs often extended to 5-6 minutes, allowing for deeper exploration of dark, sinister soundscapes. This approach set them apart from their peers and demonstrated their commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Gutted's music was not characterized by the hyper-fast blast beats that were prevalent in the era. While they did incorporate blasts into their sound, Gutted maintained a controlled tempo that allowed their music to breathe, enhancing the overall experience. A notable feature was their skilled integration of the bass guitar, a facet sometimes overlooked by many death metal bands. Gutted ensured that the bass played a crucial role in their sonic assault, contributing to the heaviness of their sound.
Completing the Gutted lineup was Billy Mills, whose guitar work added another layer of intensity to their music. His contributions harmonized seamlessly with the band's sound, enhancing the sonic brutality that Gutted was known for.
In conclusion, Gutted's "Bleed For Us To Live" is a testament to their uncompromising approach to brutal death metal. Their unique blend of longer song structures, controlled aggression, and well-integrated bass guitar set them apart in an era teeming with talented death metal acts. The band's tragic loss with Michael's passing reminds us of their legacy and the unique mark they left on the genre. Gutted's powerful debut remains a compelling listen for death metal enthusiasts, a testament to their lasting impact on the scene.
