Jungle Rot – “Jungle Rot” [Album Review]

To say I was stoked for this record would be an understatement. I’m a huge fan of the groove-infused, death-metal titans Jungle Rot and couldn’t wait to pop this in my ear canals and let the pummelling begin. There is always a bit of trepidation though, because what if the long-awaited album doesn’t live up to the hype? Luckily, at least this time, the band’s newest self-titled release via Victory Records is arguably their best output ever!

“Send Forth Oblivion” kicks things off in true Jungle Rot fashion; the galloping grooves are so down-tuned, dirty, and infectious, it’s practically impossible to remain still. Whether it’s neck, fists, or hips, I guarantee you that your body will be compelled to move. For the next half hour, Jungle Rot dishes out a massive slab of walloping metal that never lets up.

While the guys don’t necessarily reinvent the wheel on this recording, they do include a few surprises that caught me off guard (in a good way). “Fearmonger” takes things in a bit of a different direction; It’s perfectly placed mid-way through the disc and incorporates an old-school thrash vibe that gets your neck snapping subconsciously while propelling the album along.

Presumably a nod to America’s favourite political tactic, here’s Jungle Rot’s video for lead single “Fearmonger”.

An even bigger surprise, at least for me, is the killer cover version of Kreator’s “Terrible Certainty”. As a massive Kreator nerd, I really feel they did this song justice while still putting the trademark Jungle Rot spin on it. Kudos to the choice of cover! Whether you’re a fan of this band or not, they have easily churned out what will be one of, if not THE, best death metal album of the year.

Jungle Rot Track Listing:

01. Send Forth Oblivion
02. Delusional Denial
03. A Burning Cinder
04. Triggered
05. Fearmonger
06. Stay Dead
07. Glory for the Fallen
08. Pumped Full of Lead
09. Twisted Mind
10. Terrible Certainty

Run Time: 38:52
Release Date: July 20, 2018