Prepare yourself for a mix of repetitive song structures and a few moments of originality from the death metal band Semt Rotted. This new group, while showing potential, suffers from a tendency to rely heavily on the same song formula throughout most of their tracks. The typical song structure consists of a heavy, groovy drum intro, followed by muffled vocals that are hard to discern, an average verse, and a mid-chorus that often revolves around themes of violence, such as smashing heads or being dead. The pattern continues with another verse, more heavy drums and chugging riffs, a guitar solo, and then the song ends. This basic structure can be heard in tracks like “Bloodbath,” “Eye Incision,” and “Slayed Then Decayed.” While there are some attempts to change things up, such as shortening or altering the placement of guitar solos, they are ultimately overused and feel formulaic.

The lack of variety in song structure makes it difficult to get through the album in one sitting. Initially, the repetitiveness isn't immediately noticeable, but by the end, you’ll feel as though you've been listening to the same song on repeat. Unfortunately, this redundancy weakens the album's impact and prevents the band from fully capturing the listener's attention.

Vocally, the majority of the album suffers from muffled, strained delivery, which makes it difficult to connect with the lyrics or the vocalist’s performance. The vocals, for the most part, feel as though they are struggling to break through the mix, leading to a hollow, unrefined sound. However, there’s a moment of redemption on the track “Deader Than Dead,” where the vocalist switches up their style toward the end of the song and finally sounds competent, which hints at the potential they’re capable of.

That being said, the band isn’t without merit. When they avoid falling into their repetitive routine, they have a solid foundation. The drums, for example, are the standout feature of the album. They are thunderous and groovy, delivering a punch that brings the death metal heaviness to life. Tracks like “Torture Congregation” showcase the drums’ ability to create an immense, rumbling atmosphere, while “Hammer Teeth” adds a poppy, snare-heavy sound that provides some interesting variation.

The bass also contributes to the album’s overall heaviness, complementing the drums and helping to create a thick, powerful sound. However, the guitars, while capable of shredding, often over-rely on solos, which eventually become grating and detract from the music’s impact. The excessive use of solos makes the guitar work feel cluttered and repetitive, overshadowing the potential for more dynamic and engaging riffing.

The production is another area that could use improvement. The vocals are often too muffled and buried in the mix, making them hard to decipher. This lack of clarity detracts from the overall experience and makes it harder for listeners to connect with the songs on a deeper level.

In the end, Semi Rotten is a fitting name for this album. While it has its moments of potential and heaviness, much of it feels stale, overused, and in need of refinement. It’s a decent album for fans of death metal, but it struggles to stand out in a crowded genre, and many of its elements are starting to show signs of decay.