Haemorrhage, founded in Madrid in 1990, has remained one of the most enduring names in goregrind. Over the decades, the band built a dedicated following with a raw and aggressive take on medical-themed grindcore, drawing clear aesthetic and sonic lineage from early Carcass, but over time carving a distinct and recognizable sound of their own. Known for their grotesque stage presence and unwavering commitment to the style, Haemorrhage has never diverted from the path they chose in the early ‘90s. Albums like “Grume,” “Anatomical Inferno,” and “Hospital Carnage” helped define goregrind across generations, while their artwork, lyrical content, and production choices solidified their cult status. Despite lineup changes and lengthy gaps between releases, the band’s core ethos has never been compromised.
"Opera Medica" is the first batch of new material from Haemorrhage since their 2017 album, "We Are The Gore," and it arrives with no unnecessary embellishments. The EP consists of four new tracks and a Dismember cover, clocking in under 20 minutes. It is released by Hells Headbangers, a fitting home for a band that remains rooted in old-school extremity.
The sound is evidently in line with what the band has always done—groovy, grinding death metal with medically charged themes and gore-drenched vocals. The production is raw but coherent, and the performances are tight without sounding mechanical. Luisma’s guitar tone remains thick and cutting, and he continues to write riffs that serve both momentum and memorability. Dr. Obnoxious on drums is relentless and straightforward, keeping the pace aggressive but never erratic. The vocals of Lugubrious remain guttural and expressive without descending into parody, continuing to carry the band’s identity as much as the instrumentation.
Dismember cover, "Deathevokation," is a nod to one of death metal’s pillars, rendered in Haemorrhage’s distinct sound. It fits well with the rest of the material and doesn’t come off as filler. The rest of the EP is all new material that fits snugly within the band’s discography. The structure of the songs leans toward brevity, but they feel complete. The riffs are compact and to the point, with enough variation to distinguish one track from another.
"Opera Medica" doesn’t feel like a comeback or a reinvention—it feels like a continuation. There is no attempt to modernize, embellish, or pivot toward a new direction. This is Haemorrhage operating within their own parameters, doing what they know best. In that sense, the EP is consistent, focused, and satisfying for those who appreciate this style. It doesn't overstay its welcome, and it doesn’t dilute the essence that’s made the band last for over three decades.
Score: 8.0
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