Metal Mixology for August 26th: Last Wretch

The latest edition of Metal Mixology comes from Last Wretch!

Spotify link:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/126H3igjcEBikyV7qkTkSR?si=GnD3PzBdSnCZatMTH5Cygw

Krypts - "The Black Smoke"

I had to include this criminally underrated band from Finland. Their 2013 album Unending Degradation is one of the best modern death metal albums, and not enough people talk about it. It’s heavy, catchy, doomy, and carries a punk attitude in both its songwriting and overall vibe. I could have included any track from the record, but “The Black Smoke” is my go-to when I’m looking for a quick fix of Krypts.

Acephalix - "Suffer (Life in Fragments)"

These California freaks do death metal the right way: raw, powerful, and decidedly old-school. This album sounds like it came straight out of the ’90s—and I mean that as a compliment. Greg Wilkinson, one of my favorite modern producers, absolutely crushed it here. The drum tones on this record are some of the best in recent death metal history. If you’re into overproduced, hyper-polished records, this one isn’t for you. Greg and the band strike a perfect balance—achieving clarity in the mix while still maintaining the raw aggression at the core of the band’s sound.

Bolt Thrower - "For Victory"

Bolt Thrower are the greatest death metal band of all time. Nearly all their records are 10/10, but for some reason For Victory doesn’t get as much love as it deserves. The chorus riff is, pound for pound, the hardest shit I’ve ever heard. It slaps every time. I’ll never get tired of listening to Bolt Thrower classics and yelling about war. BOLT THROWER RULES!

Death - "Suicide Machine"

Although Human isn’t my number one Death album, I personally think it’s their most important. The progressive elements they introduced helped push the boundaries of what was possible in the genre. I’m also a huge Cynic fan—so considering this is basically Chuck with Cynic, it made sense to choose “Suicide Machine.” The track is progressive while still retaining that signature Death brutality. I really wish more progressive death metal bands leaned harder into the death metal side of things, but at least we have this album as a perfect example of what progressive death metal can be.

Phobophilic - "Cathedrals of Blood (Twilight of the Idols)"

I wanted to round out the list with another modern band, and Phobophilic are easily among the best of the current era. Their drumming is insane, the guitar tone is sharp and cuts right through the mix, and the leads are tasteful—like being teleported into another dimension. Their debut album Enveloping Absurdity is still on steady rotation at my house. They’re also an incredible live band, unafraid to grind it out on the road. These guys are due for another offering, and I have no doubt that whatever they cook up next will land near the top of my year-end list—whenever that may be.

Spencer’s Picks

Black Breath - "Home of the Grave"

Black Breath is a sweet spot between my taste and John's. This is one of the first bands we really bonded over and this song has that swag and groove that we both really go for in our Death Metal.

Erosion - "Deep in Hell"

I wanted to include a Canadian band, and Erosion is top of mind, especially since they have another record coming out soon. The melodies in this song are perfect, and the drums and production keep things primitive and heavy - a perfect blend.

Ulcerate - "Chasm of Fire"

This song feels like the start of Ulcerate’s journey into a more melancholic vibe blending with their abrasive dissonance. I see Shrines of Paralysis as a transition record where they introduced some more powerful songwriting, turning them into one of the best, most unique extreme metal bands around.

Xibalba - "The Place of Fear"

Added this to my gym playlist the second it dropped, and it hasn’t left. The big mosh part at the end keeps evolving and expanding without overstaying its welcome. Nobody does heavy like Xibalba.

Sumerlands - "The Seventh Seal"

I get a different riff from this song stuck in my head every day. Solo is perfect, structure is perfect, production, drums, vocals - all perfect. This throwback style can get so, so boring, but Sumerlands are one of the few who haven’t just brought it back, but perfected it.