Gruesome | Silent Echoes | Relapse Records

 

 Gruesome formed in 2014 as a passionate tribute to the pioneering death metal legacy of Chuck Schuldiner and Death. Originally conceived as a short-term project, the band quickly gained traction due to the caliber of its members and the authenticity of its approach. Frontman and guitarist Matt Harvey (Exhumed, Dekapitator) teamed up with drummer Gus Rios (Malevolent Creation), guitarist Daniel Gonzalez (Possessed), and bassist Robin Mazen (Derketa). Together, they revived the sonic spirit of early ‘90s death metal with a sequence of albums that paid homage to specific eras of Death’s discography. Starting with “Savage Land” (2015) in the vein of “Leprosy” and following with “Twisted Prayers” (2018) reflecting “Spiritual Healing”, Gruesome earned respect not only as stylists but as custodians of a sound that defined a movement.

Over the years, Gruesome evolved from loving imitation to a deeper, more personal engagement with the genre’s roots. Their work matured alongside them as musicians—especially under the shadow of mortality and tribute following the passing of Sean Reinert, whose presence deeply informs their latest chapter.

“Silent Echoes” arrives as the most complex and emotionally weighted release from Gruesome to date. Rather than circling familiar territory, the band expands their scope to mirror the intricate territory explored by Death in their 1991 milestone “Human.” This isn’t merely an aesthetic shift but a compositional leap. The material here trades brute force for labyrinthine construction, where timing changes, tempo pivots, and syncopated interplay blur the lines between aggression and contemplation.

The drums from Gus Rios anchor this transformation. With Sean Reinert’s memory acting as both inspiration and spiritual compass, the percussive arrangements take on a life of their own—fluid, meticulous, and expressive. They don’t lead with brutality but with structure, framing the songs’ internal logic.

Matt Harvey’s vocal delivery remains firmly rooted in tradition, but it’s his and Daniel Gonzalez’s guitar work that defines the formation of the album. The riffs are angular, often hesitant before unfurling into more serpentine passages. Gonzalez’s leads inject a vital melodic element—melancholic, expressive, and often mournful—without ever veering into sentimentality.

The title track, “Silent Echoes,” provides an abstract pulse at the album’s center. Not necessarily the most aggressive moment, but one that internalizes the album’s themes of memory, reflection, and tribute. Elsewhere, pieces like “Voice Within The Void” and “Frailty” exhibit restraint within complexity, allowing the space between notes to speak as much as the violence they contain.

Bass duties were handled in-studio by Daniel Gonzalez, adding cohesion to the stringwork. The mix by Jarrett Pritchard gives clarity to the intricacy, with every instrument holding its own without dominating. It's dry and honest, allowing the music’s structure to speak rather than overwhelming it with post-production muscle.

This album does not reach backward, nor does it project forward. Instead, it exists in a suspended space—neither purely homage nor completely progressive—just focused, grounded death metal, thoughtfully arranged and imbued with gravity by the loss that inspired it.

“Silent Echoes” is not immediate. It resists expectation. It requires patience, especially from those who came to Gruesome for their more direct early work. But it rewards repeat listening by gradually revealing its intent: to translate reverence into personal expression without compromising on intensity.

Score: 8.9