Boltcutter’s Still Broke hits like a sledgehammer wrapped in finesse, immediately establishing why the band has earned attention in extreme metal circles. From the opening notes, it’s clear this is a band operating with both confidence and a unique sense of identity. The album plunges listeners into chaos, blending slam and brutal death metal with grime, groove, and occasional atmospheric textures that make the record feel alive rather than formulaic.

The album opens with “Exit 263,” a microcosm of what Boltcutter are capable of: tight, popping snares, riffs that oscillate between slam-standard brutality and inventive, almost playful scaling, and a vocal performance that moves effortlessly between controlled pig squeals and deep, textured gutturals. This opening sets the tone—here’s a band flexing every muscle, daring you to keep up.

Tracks like “Twenty One Cars” and “Get From Round Here” showcase Boltcutter’s skill at layering samples and clips in ways that enhance rather than distract from the music. Trap-leaning interjections, meme-inspired snippets, and cinematic soundbites give each song personality, while the drums—particularly snare and occasional China cymbal hits—remain sharp and precise, grounding the chaos.

Guest appearances add further depth. Chain Gang’s work on “Richless & Bitchless” fits seamlessly, enhancing the band’s eerie, grime-soaked soundscape, while Impact BLC’s contribution to “Irreversible Cashectomy” amplifies the frenetic, decaying energy of the track. Even moments where guest vocals feel slightly off, like “Green Tip Penetration,” contribute to the record’s eclectic personality, creating a sense of varied textures across a heavy but sonically consistent album.

Production is a major strength of Still Broke. Every vocal style—from guttural lows to soaring squeals—is clear and distinct, while the bass hits with force and the guitars remain hefty without muddiness. This clarity is crucial when the album’s samples and layered riffs begin to flirt with excess, ensuring the record never loses cohesion even as it pushes multiple sonic elements at once.

Not every experiment lands perfectly. “Devious Contemplations” attempts to mix humor, meta-slam commentary, and warped meme energy, but some choices feel awkward against the band’s heavier aesthetic. When Boltcutter stick to their strengths—decaying vocals, dynamic drums, riffs that walk the line between slam filth and death-metal precision—they are formidable. The album closes with “Still Broke,” a slower, denser track that demonstrates restraint and nuance, allowing chugs and groove to breathe and ending the record with a measured exhale rather than a bombastic finale.

Boltcutter are a relatively new force in slam and brutal death metal. Formed in 2023 in Eugene, Oregon, they quickly garnered attention for their gritty riffs, technical execution, and unrelenting aggression. Still Broke, their 2025 full-length debut, proves they aren’t just dipping their toes in extreme metal—they’re diving headfirst. The album demonstrates a willingness to experiment with samples, pacing, guest vocals, and groove, all while maintaining a core of crushing heaviness.

From start to finish, Still Broke balances sheer brutality with variety. “Exit 263” opens with cinematic samples before diving into pig squeals, tight riffs, and snappy drums. Tracks like “Twenty One Cars (feat. Human Decomposition)” and “Get From ‘Round Here (feat. Dredge)” showcase chug-heavy grooves, heavy breakdowns, and guest gutturals, providing contrast and texture. Slower, heavier tracks like “The Cycle” or “Richless & Bitchless (feat. Chain Gang)” add sinister atmospheres without losing power, demonstrating the band’s ability to craft tension alongside speed.

Still Broke succeeds because Boltcutter understand balance: technical execution, raw aggression, groove, and occasional experimentation coexist without ever diluting the band’s core identity. The album is heavy, precise, and varied—proof that even a young band can deliver a mature, thoughtful debut.

Still Broke is Boltcutter’s declaration of intent. It’s slam with teeth, death metal with clarity, and an album that’s as aggressive as it is engaging. For fans of brutal death, slam, and groove-heavy extreme metal, this debut proves Boltcutter belong at the forefront of the scene.