Formed in 1991 on Long Island, New York, Internal Bleeding are true pioneers of slam death metal. From their early demos to their 1995 debut Voracious Contempt, the band helped define the brutal, groove-heavy sound that still carries their name across the extreme-metal underground. Despite lineup changes and a brief hiatus, they returned with renewed intensity, keeping their signature low-end riffs, punishing drums, and crushing breakdowns intact. Over three decades later, Internal Bleeding remain one of the most respected and influential forces in slam and groove-driven death metal.

Settle All Scores demonstrates a band fully aware of its strengths, leaning hard into the grooves, slams, and riffs that made them iconic. From the opening of “Intangible Pact,” the listener is met with deep, powerful drums and sharp, anxiety-inducing riffs—the kind of dense energy that immediately demands attention. The bass is thick and prominent, grounding the mix, while the vocals alternate between raw gutturals and dynamic backing layers, keeping the intensity fresh.

The title track, “Settle All Scores,” is a standout moment: precise snare hits, a robust bass presence, and complementary backing vocals create a rich, layered sound. The song’s slithering solo and slow, punishing breakdown are quintessential Internal Bleeding—groove-laden brutality at its finest. Similarly, “Prophet of Deceit” balances heavy, slow chug riffs with bursts of speed, demonstrating the band’s mastery of tension and release, even if it leans heavily on established blast patterns.

“Enforced Compliance” highlights the band’s knack for slow, punishing grooves. Dense bass, crushing drums, and the interplay of shouted backing vocals with gutturals give the track a layered, dynamic feel. A sludge-like breakdown paired with a spacey, grungy solo at the end makes this one of the EP’s more distinctive tracks.

“Crown of Insignificance” ramps up the intensity with dynamic drums and simple yet effective riffs, while dual-vocal interplay ensures the track stays powerful without becoming monotonous. The breakdown hits deep, and the double-kick drum patterns emphasize the track’s sheer weight.

Tracks like “Empire of Terror” and “Glorify the Oppressor” highlight the only minor drawback: some riffs and rhythmic patterns feel familiar, and repetition begins to surface. Even so, the band executes each section with confidence, ensuring that the groove and heaviness remain front and center. Vocal layers and high-pitched screams keep these tracks engaging despite structural familiarity.

The album closes with its most distinctive moment, “Deliberate Desecration.” Beginning with an eerie acoustic intro, the song transitions into a doom-leaning, hypnotic groove. The bass resonates beautifully, riffs carry a stoner-metal haze, and guest vocals add a raw, strained texture that elevates the track’s atmosphere. It’s a memorable conclusion that signals the band’s ability to still surprise listeners after decades in the scene.

Settle All Scores is a confident, groove-heavy release that proves Internal Bleeding remain at the top of their game. The album doesn’t reinvent slam death metal, but it offers a polished, energetic statement from a band that helped define the genre. Tight riffs, thunderous drums, crushing breakdowns, and dynamic vocal performances dominate every track. While some songs blend together and a few sections drag, the overall impact is undeniable. Internal Bleeding continue to combine brutal low-end punishment with groove, tension, and a deep understanding of slam dynamics, securing their place as one of the genre’s cornerstone acts. The album is packed with punishing riffs, powerful grooves, and enough energy to remind listeners why Internal Bleeding are legends of slam death metal.