REVIEW: Slaughtersun - Black Marrow

Formed in 2023 by Ben Karas (Thank You Scientist, Windfaerer), Slaughtersun

emerged as a powerful new force in the death metal scene. After years of musical

experimentation, Karas brought together an impressive lineup, including Cody McCorry (Thank You Scientist), Jason Quinones (Tombstoner), and Justin Hillman (Cranial Damage). Drawing influence from death metal giants like Gorguts, Death, Cannibal Corpse, and At The Gates, the band’s sound blends technical precision with intense power.

Slaughtersun's debut single, 'Fall of the Firmament', dropped in late 2023, followed by tracks like 'Relentless Thelemic', 'Ready Cell Awaits', and 'Black Marrow'. Each release shows the band’s commitment to creating sounds that merge traditional death metal brutality with a few twists. Their new EP 'Black Marrow' continues in this path, offering a raw and relentless listening experience for those ready to dive into something intense. If you're looking for something that pushes the boundaries of death metal while staying true to its roots, Slaughtersun might be worth adding to your playlist.

The opening track, 'Unearthly Propaganda', is a powerful instrumental that's just over 30 seconds long. Its obscure and mysterious sound slyly pulls you in, building tension and bracing you for what's to come. That sense of anticipation explodes with 'Fall of the Firmament', the EP’s lead single and a defining moment for the band. With its intricate riffs and driving rhythm, the track balances sheer aggression with technical finesse. With its fierce lyrics, the song evokes a world on the brink of collapse, the fall of men, and destruction. Justin Hillman’s vocals, or “unearthly wails,” as the band calls them, add another layer of intensity, amplifying the song's impact.

Following the explosive energy of 'Fall of the Firmament' 'Relentless Thelemic' continues to build on Slaughtersun's intense sound but with a shift in lyrical focus and atmosphere. Where the former embraced apocalyptic imagery, 'Relentless Thelemic' delves into even darker themes. The song’s lyrics are steeped in ritualistic language and spiritual conflict, with references to sacred rites and a sense of rebellion. There’s an undeniable heaviness to the track, both musically and emotionally. The song maintains its fierce momentum, with Jason Quinones’ drumming that highlights the track's urgency. Meanwhile, Cody McCorry’s bass provides a grounding force, ensuring that even in the song’s most intense moments there is a sense of power and depth, while Ben Karas’ electric violin work adds layers of complexity.

'Ready Cell Awaits' takes the listener on a haunting journey into the realms of spiritual unrest, with its dark lyrics and intense instrumental build-up. The track is dense and heavy, with the drumming keeping up an ominous rhythm that mirrors the lyrical themes, whilst the bass and violin pull the track ever forward. Everything is tied together by the brilliant vocals that make for an immersive track that moves from brooding reflection to fierce emotional release, showing Slaughtersun's ability to create both depth and aggression in one compelling package.

'Black Marrow' stands as the EP’s hallmark. With its pounding rhythm and great intensity it embodies the raw, unrelenting force of SLAUGHTERSUN’s sound. The track weaves together mind-blowingly harsh riffs, guttural vocals and powerful drumming to create an atmosphere that makes the listener experience tension and excitement. The song’s musical composition, while being clearly rooted in death metal’s brutality, shows a level of complexity that sets it apart. With its frantic energy, sharp transitions and thunderous rhythm section, the title track is a very fitting climax to the main body of the EP.

The EP’s final track, 'Relentless Thelemic (Frightbox Live Session)', offers a raw, unfiltered

experience that stands in contrast to the polished studio recordings. This live version

showcases Slaughtersun's fierce energy in its purest form, capturing the intensity of a

performance that’s both urgent and visceral. While keeping the complexity and aggression of the studio version, the live setting adds a spontaneous, gritty immediacy that reveals the band’s deep connection with their music, revealing the true spirit of Slaughtersun's sound.

Slaughtersun is a band unafraid to push the boundaries of death metal whilst simultaneously honouring its roots. This EP marks the beginning of their journey and, while it’s only the start, it’s clear that Slaughtersun is already carving out a distinct presence in the death metal scene. With each track pushing boundaries and showcasing their potential, 'Black Marrow' is a bold statement, and it’s easy to imagine that as they continue to evolve they will refine their craft even further.

'Black Marrow' will be released on January 10th.

Words: Mell Cestra

Photos: Slaughtersun