Recueil Morbide’s debut full-length Hurt by Human Race is a ferocious and uncompromising plunge into the depths of technical death metal, delivered with a unique voice that sets the band apart from the pack. Hailing from France, the band bursts onto the scene with an album that blends relentless speed, unsettling atmosphere, and a flair for chaotic precision. While many bands in the genre either lean too heavily on brutality or become lost in technical excess, Recueil Morbide strikes a curious balance—teetering on the edge of collapse but always regaining control in the most unexpected ways.
From the opening barrage, it’s clear this isn’t a record that holds the listener’s hand. The dual guitar assault is sharp, nimble, and constantly morphing—riffs never sit still for more than a moment. Shards of melody occasionally peek through the sonic wreckage, most notably in tracks like “Embrace,” where a surprisingly emotive solo pierces the chaos like sunlight through storm clouds. The band’s ability to alternate between whirlwind intensity and brief, eerie calm creates a disorienting, yet addictive, listening experience.
The rhythm section is equally fierce. The drumming, with its forward-placed double kicks and furious snare patterns, drives the album with mechanical precision. If anything, it dominates the production, giving the record a pummeling character that’s impossible to ignore. While the mix may not favor low-end heaviness, the sheer energy behind the performance more than compensates.
Vocally, Hurt by Human Race is a tour through extreme metal’s most demented corners—from cavernous growls to sharp, high-pitched shrieks and even moments of haunting clean vocals. The variation adds depth without sacrificing intensity, and recalls the experimental edge of some of Canada’s most revered death-grind acts. Lyrically, the album spans themes as vast as ancient civilizations and ecological decay, delivered with conviction and venom.
Though the album occasionally threatens to overwhelm with its density, patient listeners will find moments of clarity and distinction. “Earthwounds” emerges as a standout, not only for its memorable chorus but for its ability to encapsulate the album’s strengths: fierce instrumentation, unpredictable dynamics, and an undercurrent of thoughtful composition beneath the chaos.
Ultimately, Hurt by Human Race is an impressive first statement from a band unafraid to push boundaries. It may take a few listens to unlock its secrets, but once it sinks in, it reveals a band brimming with potential and a vision that's both harsh and forward-thinking. A worthy discovery for fans of the more twisted side of death metal.
