Metalcatto
In reviewing—like in science—we should disclose any conflicts of interest (you think Big Pharma pays me/us to promote meds? I wish…), but I digress. The point is that after I reviewed Bragging Rights‘ previous outlet—which, of course, I forgot to include in our list of best cover arts of the year—we’ve developed a friendly rapport that could ruin my objectivity as a reviewer. Which is why this review is going to be a satirical endeavor.
Bragging Rights still feels like Gojira back when that band played Death Metal and not stadium Metal. The love for From Mars to Sirius and The Way of All Flesh is alive and well here. Lots of beefy riffs left and right that should satisfy most nostalgic fans. However, I’d say that this is a more direct effort than its predecessors. The fat has clearly been cut down, leaving more of the meat. So imagine Lamb of God, but if those guys were still good. That’s kind of what we’re going for here—a hybrid sound between Groove and Proggy Death Metal, and for the most part, it’s interesting.
I’m not sure what has changed, but I do sense a vocal improvement in this new release. It might be subtle, but Bragging Rights comes in with more conviction this time. I believe this change in songwriting benefits the project’s approach. It’s hard to believe how the band stays this productive, but it clearly shows that there are a lot of ideas and feelings that need to be vented constantly, which is something I can relate to as a writer. Now, here comes the part that all underground bands dread to their bones—where I talk smack about their blood, sweat, and tears.
The logo looks so GTA, right?
Well, I think A Personal Curse has two main areas for improvement. One isn’t new—it’s the cymbals, which still sound far away, even if they’re less distracting this time. And second, sometimes there’s a fan effect in the tracks. It seems to be on purpose, but it puzzles me when suddenly everything sounds as if it’s going through a turbine. I’m sure some of you will find it interesting—it definitely caught my attention—but I’m not sure what to make of it yet.
Overall, this is an underground release that hopefully will get a label behind it, so they can throw money at those drums. Otherwise, it’s been fun to look at one of the most ambitious productions from one of our followers. So you see? If you play your cards right and do the right politics, I might like you enough to give you a full article. Nobody said there was no corruption at MER—in fact, throw us cash and we’ll sell ourselves in more undignified ways!
Disclaimer from our lawyers: there’s something called humor—it helps you not take things literally.
Label: Independent
Release date: May 30, 2025
Website: https://www.instagram.com/bragging_rights_i_am_violence/
Country: Wales
Score: Fun! But it might not win the Grammy
Metal Eclipse Reviews 