Mortal Decay’s Forensic is nothing short of a morbid tour de force in brutal death metal, standing as one of the band’s most vivid and intense creations. This album isn’t just brutal for the sake of it—it’s crafted with an almost cinematic horror. Every track plunges the listener into a nightmarish soundscape, immersing them in dark, twisted riffs and relentless, punishing drums. Each riff and every eerie sound effect heightens the album’s sinister aura, painting a disturbing picture that feels both clinical and horrifying.
The return of John Paoline on vocals is a masterstroke, adding a visceral, almost primal edge to the album. His guttural growls and chilling shrieks are both brutal and refined, carrying an unsettling clarity that ensures every grotesque lyric cuts through. Tracks like "Chronicles" demonstrate his incredible range and control, making it one of the most haunting songs on the album. The lyrics tell gruesome tales from a forensic scientist’s perspective, and Paoline’s voice brings an element of dread that feels uncomfortably real.
From a technical standpoint, Forensic is incredibly well-crafted. The drums, handled with precise aggression, alternate between rapid-fire blasts and measured, crushing beats that give the album a unique rhythm. The guitar work is equally intricate, blending complex, spiraling riffs with moments of crushing simplicity. Rather than relying on standard breakdowns, Mortal Decay pushes into complex, disorienting riff structures reminiscent of classic death metal influences yet wholly original in execution.
This album also plays with melody in a way few brutal death metal records dare. Tracks like “Monkey Cage” feature riffs with an eerie, almost Middle Eastern tonality, adding layers of tension and enhancing the dark themes of the album. These melodies, though fleeting, bring an edge to Forensic that makes it unforgettable.
Every track on Forensic feels meticulously designed to amplify the unsettling atmosphere. Songs like “Beyond Forensic Knowledge” stretch the band’s technical prowess, with dense, layered riffs and abrupt tempo shifts that keep the listener on edge. This relentless creativity makes each song a unique experience, keeping the album fresh and engaging even on repeat listens.
In Forensic, Mortal Decay has crafted an album that is unflinchingly brutal yet sophisticated. It’s a sinister journey into the mind of the macabre, filled with bone-crushing riffs and haunting vocals that linger long after the album ends. For fans of brutal death metal and anyone who craves darkness with substance, Forensic is a masterpiece that won’t soon be forgotten.
