Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Left to Suffer - Feral (2023)
Continuing the trend of nu-infused deathcore is Left to Suffer, which is a new band to me as well. I've really only heard one song from this band, which also happens to be in this album, so we'll talk about that when we get there. The band was formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2019 and have since released 3 albums, with some songs having guest vocalists from bands like Lorna Shore, Ov Sulfur, and Fit for an Autopsy. And today, we'll be checking out their second album Feral.
What an aptly titled name for an album! All you can expect is the headbanging primal aggression of their nu-ish metal/deathcore, which is apparently all the band wanted to make since they first formed. And it looks like they've achieved that goal in just 25 minutes of fire and fury.
We already reach thick depths in the title opener within the vocals and riffs. As the guitar rage bursts through, vocalist Taylor Barber unleashes his growls, with some clean singing in the more melodic sections. Add a couple kick-A breakdowns and we're in for a strong start. If you thought that was brutal, wait until you hear "Artificial Anatomy". Soon the heaviness speeds up and then you hear the fast growling rage of guest vocalist Kim Dracula. Taylor ends the track with a shrieking breakdown that practically makes that song their own "To the Hellfire"! Then it segues to their own "Of the Abyss", "Primitive Urge". I consider it that because of the melodic strings in the background, really adding a magic touch to the heavy aggression of guitar duo of Jacob Gordon and Peter Higgs. Not to mention the growls by Fit for an Autopsy's Joe Bad.
"Break the Fever" has more brutal drumming by Alex Vavra, and greater variety in Taylor's vocals from high to low. Those vocals reach their peak in the middle of the song along with the guitar effects. That part is so f***ed up but in a great way. And with the searing soloing, that marks another excellent highlight. Heading into "Recluse", you can imagine yourself getting ready for a battle motivated by Taylor's shouts and the audible bass of Christian Nowatzki. Full-on nu deathcore hits your face, only calming down for brief moments. I wouldn't be surprised if that song ended up in the DOOM Eternal soundtrack.
Then comes another strong standout in "Illusion of Sleep". It's short yet pulverizing in the breakdowns. Kinda like "Disappoint Me", another heavy banger. From the Architects-style BLEGHS to the typical deathcore breakdowns, there's so much impact in just those two minutes. "Consistent Suffering" is filled with feral death/metalcore. At over the one and a half minute mark is an unreal blend of sped up trap with the usual growled vocals. Those lyrics may seem sad, but the vocals make them sound mad.
Left to Suffer has their raging strength on display in Feral. Their destructive force is not one to be taken lightly. I wouldn't say this is the best deathcore album I've heard, but it's solid and attacks like a motherf***er....
Favorites: "Artificial Anatomy", "Break the Fever", "Illusion of Sleep", "Consistent Suffering"