I feel like I’m supposed to dig Goreaphobia based at least partially on their pedigree, if for nothing else — one that boasts members who’ve spent time in Incantation and Absu, a fact which should entice death metal enthusiasts to give the band a shot — but sadly, I don’t. Debut full-length Mortal Repulsion, on Ibex Moon Records, leaves little to the imagination and even less to gnaw on after it’s run its course. So, after a few listens and a little head-scratching, I’m left reaching for the proper words to describe what I’ve experienced. What I can say is this: Mortal Repulsion is despicably impure in a mostly straightforward fashion, but it doesn’t quite stick to the ribs.

While Mortal Repulsion has the bludgeoning force of an anvil, it’s also got its dull weight. It churns and oozes like any proper Ibex Moon release should, but there’s nothing particularly memorable about these 12 tracks. Mostly offered are middle-of-the-road, plodding, murky tunes. Numbers like “Negative Screams” and “Despised and Ruined” evoke the ’70s horror film vibe with dark, atmospheric elements. Of course, most of the tracks give off a dark and tenebrous vibe, but simply fall flat. Moans, grunts and shrieks of oppression overlay generally repetitive riffing, and the uncharacteristic drumming is less complementary than it should be. This is pretty standard old-school death metal fare. It’s certainly not the worst of its kind but by no means the best.

Goreaphobia don’t make the impression you’d expect from the first full-length by a band who has a long string of singles, demos and EPs under their belt — a belt they started carving notches into 20 years ago (with considerable gaps in activity, mind you). You have to hand it to anyone who comes back to something they molded more than a decade ago and decides to pick up where they left off. That shows dedication and in that right, Goreaphobia deserves your respect. Whether they deserve your money, though — that’s a decision you’ll have to make on your own.

[Visit the band's website]

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