Stomach offer up a pugnacious brand of down tempo metalcore that places itself somewhere in-between death metal, hardcore and the metal of old while adding a few ethnic sounding contributions to tighten up the package. Pummeling aggression is spewed out with sludgy riffs while experimental sound effects are injected beneath the surface to slowly seep out and saturate the music. Sometimes very akin to Sepultura, the music hammers out downtrodden assaults that rely heavily on percussion to keep the momentum in place. Vocally the group lingers in the guttural aspect of the human voice, belting out husky growls that have the grace of a leather strap whipping the listener across the back. Grating and militant, they dabble in a few slightly modified tonal inflections that can bloom into harmony with the assistance of effects to create a full bodied sound, but for the most part they end up trudging through this album sounding like Max Cavalera's fiery bursts on downers. Guitars snarl with distortion as notes are funneled into high pitched squeals and solo's that add a touch of traditional metal while showcasing technique and experience. Abrasive chords chug along at a modest pace, ripe with sludgy riffs and a confident approach that slowly stalks behind the vocals with a thug like mentality. Bass is downtuned to a modest degree and thumps out humble basslines thick on repetition and percussive hits, as they add their weight to the foundation of the music to ensure a solid base is erected. Drums are the most dynamic element at play, beating out snare filled poundfests that methodically shunt between the toms and snare while crashing out intensely dark rhythms. The incorporation of effects and oral harmony is what gives this band an edge above the rest, and although it's used sparsely, there are a few surprises put here and there as vocals weave in and out with an ethnic flair that suggests influences from the Brazilian scene. From shrill solo notes to muddled ardent verbal expulsions this band packs a fierce punch, but their conviction and intensity is not enough to save it from the snail like pace that rears its head in each song, slowly dragging the music down into a swirling pit, only to be buoyed by the occasional fast breakdown which quickly severs its ties and submerges along with it. If you're in the mood for something that pushes heaviness to an extreme that is only limited by its own self imposed tempo restriction, then this might just be the CD for you, but if you want a rapid cathartic release, you might prefer to look elsewhere. Stomach's name holds true as this band densely packs layers of vicious metal into a cannonball of rage that targets itself straight for the gut, but unfortunately it doesn't have the range or depth to attack any of the other senses and as such traps itself into being somewhat one dimensional.
(3 / 5)