Album/EP

Cursed Earth - The Deathbed Sessions (Album Review)

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Heavy Metal Wordsmith

May 28, 2019

7 min read

Cursed Earth - The Deathbed Sessions
Released: May 31st, 2019

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In early 2018 Cursed Earth parted ways with founding member Jazmine Luders (vocalist) and continued forward as a band without a permanent front person. It was unclear what direction the band would take for the future until it was announced that The Deathbed Sessions featuring different vocalists on each song is set to be released on May 31st.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fnCCAkQd7s&w=640&h=360]

‘Fear’ featuring Matt Honeycutt from Kublai Khan starts off the record with the fast paced hardcore sound that these guys are well known for. The opening guitar riffs are the focal point of the intro which really sets the tone for the song. Matt Honeycutt does a terrific job on vocals and really hits the mark with the sound that these guys were going for. With a huge breakdown towards the end of the song, this piece gives is a great opening track as it gives a really good taste of what is to come from the rest of the record. ‘Rock Bottom’ featuring Nick Adams from Justice For The Damned follows on extremely well with the high tempo hardcore as Nick’s explosive vocals kick the song off. Nick shows off his range in this piece as his vocals are higher in this song as they usually are in his songs with Justice For The Damned until post-breakdown where he returns to his usual deeper sound. Instrumentally this is a great example of exemplary of skill and musicianship, each instrument compliments the next to create a fantastic, fast sound which is perfect in timing. ‘Deathbed’ featuring Booka Nile and Sean Harmanis from Make Them Suffer slows the tempo a fair bit as Booka demonstrates her clean vocals for the into of the song but picks up halfway through as Sean takes the reins. Despite being the slowest song on the release, this piece is still one to be loved by heavy music fans as instrumentally it is a well put together song full of tight riffs and impeccable drumming.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p97pqEw3mjE&w=640&h=360]

‘Torch’ featuring Joel Birch from The Amity Affliction picks up the pace back up. Joel does a superb job at screaming on the heaviest song he has ever been on, which is quite surprising after seeing the direction The Amity Affliction have taken in recent years. Although it is the shortest song on the record, it is arguably one of the best. The build up to the breakdown as well as the breakdown is impressive in its own rights. The tightness of the instruments working in conjunction with each other is world class which is what makes this song a stand out. ‘Tyranny Forever’ featuring Larissa Stupar from Venom Prison follows on with crazy guitar riffs and impressively fast drum beats. Larissa’s deep vocals work well over the heavy instrumentals that make sitting still nearly impossible. This song only goes for just shy of two minutes and has no breakdown but is none the less still a fantastic piece of music. ‘Operation’ featuring Jack McDonald from Cast Down has a slow introduction but really kicks into gear once jack starts screaming and we are brought back to what this band love to play which is impressive riffs, fast drums deliver in a heavy hardcore sound. This song is another short one but definitely deserves from recognition. Last song of the release is ‘Burn’ featuring Mark Poida from Aversions Crown which wraps up the record on a super heavy note. From start to finish this piece delivers incredible instrumentals which will leave you begging for more, which is why this song is Is suitably fit as the last song. Mark’s vocals top it all off, with his staple death-core vocals matching the fast pace of the instrumentals to a tee.

I could find no faults in this record and I am definitely not afraid to call it a masterpiece. With no permanent vocalist it hard to predict what the band are going to do post-release of The Deathbed Sessions, however, if they are able to find themselves on the touring circuit yet again they better be prepared to play some massive venues as I feel everyone will want a piece of them after hearing this