While the members of German death metal entity RATS OF GOMORRAH may not be new to the genre or the frustration that comes with wanting to branch out or explore new horizons within what (to some) is a staunchly policed style, ROG is a new project, born from the ashes of DIVIDE. The trio has trimmed down to a two-piece, and we now are given Infectious Vermin.

Wasting no time with the all-too-common trope of the “Intro” track, ‘Swarming Death’ lives up to its name from the first hammering rhythm, the first chop of the guitar, Daniel Stelling’s [guitar/vocals] delivery understandable yet no less menacing. ‘Face No Consequence’ keeps up the pace but injects a bit of speed metal riffery now and again just to keep things fresh. There’s a definite reverence for what has come before here, for the days before our beloved Metal splintered into disparate factions and genre-identifiers, helpful though at times they may be for the recent initiate; those days when both KREATOR and BOLT THROWER were simply “Metal”, all and worthy. Slow and strong,‘Tails Unknown’ manages to wave its Lovecraftian flag high and covered in grime and gore, the drums of Moritz Paulsen venturing into blatant rock worship, but driving, incessant and intrusive as horror-filled dream visions.

Unexpectedly, ‘Rise From The Abyss’ is layered synth leading is into the glory paean to the band’s namesake, ‘Rattenkonigin’, equal parts blistering blackened death and UNLEASHED, confrontational and undeniably memorable from first listen. This is one for the live arena, heads banged and fists ‘n’ horns thrown high. ‘Asleep On A Dagger’ again confirms this band’s knack for the hook, for a chorus or chord pattern that sticks with you after the tune itself disappears, this one adding a bit of punk exuberance. Almost doom at its start, ‘Towers Ropes And Knives’ has something about the guitar tone that intrigues me at the beginning, but too soon tumbles into death territory, which I’d have appreciated diversion into this tone and how ROG would use it in its interpretation of doom.

Closer ‘Vat Of Acid’ is convoluted, ever transforming, moments of WOMBBATH evoked, and ends Infectious Vermin as an ideal initial step for whatever is to come next from this duo. A solid statement of intent.
Review By: Lord Randall

RATS OF GOMORRAH
Infectious Vermin
Testimony Records