Texas death metal outfit Distain deliver an unrelenting sonic assault with their latest EP, fusing crushing grooves, razor-sharp riffs, and guttural brutality into an unforgettable listening experience. With tight musicianship and a crisp yet weighty production, this EP is destined to latch onto your ears and remain a staple in your heavy rotation.

Throughout the entire EP, the guitar work remains consistently tight and aggressive, driving each track with a ferocious intensity. Standout moments can be found in tracks like Field of Bodies and Hacking, where the riffs rip through the mix with surgical precision. The band also showcases an ability to transition between bone-crushing groove and blistering speed, demonstrating their dynamic range and technical prowess.

The bass in this EP is not merely an undercurrent—it’s an imposing force that adds massive weight to the overall sound. It blends seamlessly with the guitar work yet remains discernible, especially on tracks like Munge, where the low-end presence is thick, dense, and absolutely punishing. Rather than feeling forced or overly distorted, the bass naturally enhances the band's signature heaviness.

The drumming on this EP is a masterclass in controlled chaos, delivering relentless blast beats, powerful fills, and skull-crushing grooves. Tracks like Field of Bodies and Munge highlight the drummer’s ability to transition between breakneck speed and deliberate, heavy-hitting sections, adding depth and variety to each song. The snare in particular pops like a machine gun, keeping the intensity high while maintaining tight precision.

The vocal performance is nothing short of monstrous, with a devastating mix of gutturals and pig squeals that elevate the EP’s brutality. The production does a fantastic job of fleshing out the vocals, making them sound even more massive. Whether delivering deep, cavernous growls or shrieking squeals, the vocalist brings a raw and menacing energy to every track.

The production on this EP is clean yet retains the necessary grit to preserve its death metal authenticity. Every instrument is given ample space in the mix, allowing the guitars, bass, drums, and vocals to hit with full force. While Battery Acid Butt Chug has a slightly more muffled mix compared to the rest of the EP, it still manages to maintain the crushing density that defines Distain’s sound.

A sinister sample opens the track, setting an eerie tone before the first riff explodes into existence. The guitars rip through the mix with relentless precision, while the bass adds a thick and murky weight to the song’s foundation. The drums are slow yet punishing, demonstrating their sheer impact in the heavier sections. The solo, while slightly chaotic, still delivers an exciting burst of energy. The inclusion of haunting samples further amplifies the track’s unsettling atmosphere.

From the very first note, Hacking is an all-out assault. The guttural vocals are some of the best on the EP, showcasing impressive range and control. The riffs are fast, hard-hitting, and cohesive, keeping the intensity at a constant high. The drumming is relentless, complementing the guitar work with a barrage of machine-gun-like snare hits. The ending section is particularly filthy, closing the track with a dirty, heavy breakdown that leaves a lasting impression.

A showcase of Distain’s ability to balance groove and grindcore ferocity, Munge delivers tight, bouncing riffs paired with aggressive blast beats. The bass flexes its muscles on this track, cutting through the mix with a commanding presence. The drumming is particularly tasteful, incorporating subtle nuances that enhance the song’s overall feel. The use of a grotesque sample clip adds a disturbing touch before launching into a final, crushingly heavy ending.

Taking on a classic like Open Casket is no easy feat, but Distain manage to make it their own. Their rendition stays true to the original while adding extra layers of heaviness through deeper gutturals and a more aggressive approach to the instrumentation. The guitar solos are tight and fluid, and the riffs sound just as menacing as ever. The heavier vocal style surprisingly works in favor of the track, making it arguably even more brutal than Death’s original version.

Battery Acid Butt Chug

The production takes a slightly muddled turn here, but the track still packs an undeniable punch. The riffs feel even denser, and the bass reaches new levels of heaviness. While the vocals are a bit harder to decipher, the pig squeals remain a standout, with the vocalist holding some impressively sustained notes. The drums deliver a massive feel, rounding out a track that is raw, chaotic, and unapologetically heavy.

Distain’s EP is a relentless showcase of modern Texas death metal at its finest. With groove-laden riffs, powerful drumming, massive bass, and brutally intense vocals, this release cements the band’s place in the heavy music landscape. Whether you’re a longtime death metal fan or a newcomer looking for something devastatingly heavy, this EP is a must-listen. Distain aren’t just playing heavy music—they’re crafting an experience that demands to be felt as much as heard.