Alright, people, this isn’t going to be our usual review because Melted Bodies is a band so strange and out-of-pocket (in the best way!) that I’m still trying to wrap my head around The Inevitable Fork. Like, what even is that album title? What does it mean? If you think the band is as bizarre as its album art suggests, let me tell you—yes, but maybe not in the way you’d expect. I’ll elaborate a bit to guide you through this journey into the depths of absurdity.
This might not be obvious at first glance, but Melted Bodies carries some strong Punk/Hardcore energy at its core. Think of it like this: The Inevitable Fork feels like what would happen if Ihsahn went electronic and Hardcore. At the same time, there’s a palpable sense of not giving a single donkey butt about what I—or anyone else—might think about this bizarre concoction (it’s like a soup of jellyfish with beans; that’s how odd it sounds). So don’t expect the deep musical exploration you get from many of the bands we cover here. Instead, you’re getting a deconstruction of what all these styles can bring to the table.
It’s hard to say if I enjoyed Fork or was just baffled by the twists and turns it took. From relentless profanity to soundbites I can’t even place, it’s like a less depressing version of Ævangelist, while still being a nihilistic parade of madness. The individual instruments don’t even seem to matter that much—it’s the unsettling atmosphere they create together that makes Fork the experimental trip that not many will be able to handle.
An average reviewer might tell you that the “techno” elements here suck, but to me, that’s not the issue. My main concern is that, being a combination of three EPs, this release ends up feeling incredibly long and merciless on my already fragile sensitivity. Yes, it drags in some parts. I’d be more interested to see what Melted Bodies could offer in a tighter, more focused package.
I’m leaving Fork more confused than when I started it. Maybe that’s a good thing. It’s hard to tell if I’ll be returning to this album soon, but I’m definitely curious to see what Melted Bodies does next. It was certainly a memorable experience. It’s like when you try something so strange that, despite not being your usual fare, it sticks with you (for me, it’s fermented shark, but what about you?). For those of you looking to replace your average vices with music that’s just as destructive, Melted Bodies is here for you!
Label: Self-Release
Release date: 18 October, 2024
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MeltedBodies
Country: USA
Score: It’s hard to score this, but maybe 3.5/5.0?
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