Prepare to descend into the depths of unrelenting death metal with You’ve Got Red On You, the highly anticipated split album from Necronomicon Ex Mortis and Bloodfeast Ritual. This release, set for February 21, 2025, delivers an uncompromising fusion of old-school grit, progressive ferocity, and cinematic horror. Each band contributes their unique voice to this shared infernal vision, crafting a sonic journey that blurs the boundaries between terror and transcendence.
Hailing from opposite corners of the United States—Chicago's Necronomicon Ex Mortis and Los Angeles' Bloodfeast Ritual—these two acts have converged to push the limits of modern death metal. With influences ranging from the haunting melodicism of Blood Incantation to the technical fury of At The Gates, the result is an album that is as diverse as it is cohesive. The shared ambition of these bands is clear: to create a musical experience that is brutal, immersive, and unforgettable.
The Bloodfeast Ritual half of the split begins with "Soul Annihilation," a blistering track inspired by cosmic dread and the grungy, sludgy tones of death metal titans. Guitarists Michael Bala and Hunter Gurney weave chaotic, searing solos into a punishing framework, reflecting the track’s narrative of a soul’s complete obliteration. It’s an unrelenting assault, setting the tone for what’s to come. Then there’s "Decaying Humanity," a sprawling, nearly 10-minute opus that exemplifies the band's progressive prowess. Written by Hunter Gurney and meticulously arranged by Michael Bala, the track unfurls with a sense of desperation and grandeur as it chronicles humanity’s bleak descent into oblivion. It’s aggressive, intricate, and undeniably epic—quintessential Bloodfeast Ritual.
On the other side of You’ve Got Red On You, Necronomicon Ex Mortis delivers a mid-tempo death metal barrage that balances unrelenting heaviness with eerie storytelling. Opening with "The Music of Eric Zahn," a Lovecraftian instrumental masterpiece by guitarist Manuel Barbara, the band sets a haunting tone that bridges beauty and terror. Then comes "Bound In Human Flesh," a thrashy, blistering homage to the visceral terror of Evil Dead (2013). It’s a ferocious track that harkens back to the early days of Deicide and Morbid Angel, with incendiary solos from both Bala and Barbara driving its relentless pace.
The split’s centerpiece is "Unspeakable Swamp Creature," a direct continuation of Necronomicon Ex Mortis’ "The Swamp" from their Silver Bullet EP. Revisiting the cursed wetlands and their murderous inhabitants, this track is steeped in creeping melodies and unsettling atmosphere, solidifying its place as the highlight of the Necronomicon Ex Mortis catalog. The band closes their contribution with "Misery," a track inspired by Stephen King’s chilling classic. With riffs reminiscent of Bolt Thrower and Obituary, the song brings a crushing sense of inevitability, punctuated by eerie, asymmetrical solos that feel as unhinged as the story they tell.
The story of this split isn’t just one of collaboration; it’s a celebration of two bands at the height of their creativity. Necronomicon Ex Mortis has been on a tear, releasing five EPs in just two years, each one expanding on their blend of horror-inspired themes and ‘80s shred virtuosity. Bloodfeast Ritual, meanwhile, continues to carve their niche with their progressive yet visceral approach to death metal. Together, they’ve created a record that is as much a love letter to the genre’s roots as it is a bold step forward.
Tracklist:
"Soul Annihilation" (Bloodfeast Ritual)
"Decaying Humanity" (Bloodfeast Ritual)
"The Music Of Eric Zahn" (Necronomicon Ex Mortis)
"Bound In Human Flesh" (Necronomicon Ex Mortis"
"Unspeakable Swamp Creature" (Necronomicon Ex Mortis"
"Misery" (Necronomicon Ex Mortis)
