Metalcatto
Alright people, it’s been a few days of me reviewing popular bands that have almost made me regret this job. I need the underground to restore my faith in Metal! Luckily, Crimson Butchery brings us Stalker straight from the depths of hell. I mean that—just look at that grotesque artwork. The real question for me was whether the production would do justice to the music or just make it all disgusting in the wrong way. Let’s find out!
Yes! This thing beats you up harder than a drunk relative (too soon?). Stalker feels like what would happen if Dying Fetus and Cattle Decapitation had a child and then neglected the heck out of it. Obscene, heinous, and unstoppable. Crimson Butchery shows that it has enough solid riffs to make you suffer neck damage from excessive headbanging. Brutal Death Metal is often boring, but Stalker keeps mixing things up and stays genuinely engaging.
Yet, even in the mayhem, the band manages to sneak in glimpses of melody and catchiness that make many of the tracks more interesting than expected. Also, the production is surprisingly good for a band with so little clout behind it. I appreciate that, because it allowed me to enjoy every beefy riff that was thrown at me—faster than a metalhead runs for free beer at a festival (I know, one can dream). Now, some of the song titles are absolutely ridiculous, like “Trauma Masterbation,” but that’s part of the fun, right?
There are a few things that could be done better in the future. I know Stalker is meant to be a merciless assault, but could some songs get more ceremonious intros? Sometimes it felt like I was thrown into the middle of a track, which made it less memorable. Except for “Stalker” or “Philosophy Of A Knife,” but that’s my point! The band clearly has the capacity to write powerful openings, so why not use that? Build some anticipation for us hopeless mortals!
After a week with a few disappointing releases, I’m excited to say that Stalker offers the violence and madness you all deserve! It’s a short and blasting effort that doesn’t try to overcompensate or pretend to be some fancy meal. It knows it’s the main course—with no salad, not even potatoes—just raw flesh. Ok, I think I might be hungry. It’s time to spin this monster again while having a heavy meal. You should do the same. Just the listening, not necessarily the eating heavy part—take care of yourself, of course!
Label: Iron Fortress Records
Release date: August 29, 2025
Website: https://www.facebook.com/crimsonbutchery/
Country: Ireland
Score: 3.8/5.0 and I might return to this score later
Metal Eclipse Reviews 