Pupil Slicer – Fleshwork

Metalcatto

Pupil Slicer has probably the most agonizing name a band could have. There’s no way I read it without blinking just so I can protect my eyes from the images those words evoke. Blossom was a disruptive album that really challenged my definition of loudness and noise, but it left such a lasting impression that when I got the promo for Fleshwork, I knew this job had to be done immediately. I’m a sucker for any Metal that claims to deconstruct something and mix it with some good social commentary, so let’s dive in!

From the start, I’ll say it straight: Fleshwork is an improvement over its predecessor. There’s more than just aggression and violence here—though you still get plenty of both. The sense that this is a precise and Machiavellian machine, feasting upon the remains of humanity, is undeniable. There’s more structure and order without sacrificing the signature noise Pupil Slicer is capable of. We also get so much honesty in the writing. You can feel the alienation this music tries to convey even before paying attention to the lyrics.

Despite the album coming from a completely different musical approach, I can’t stop thinking about Ashenspire or Imperial Triumphant when it comes to the themes explored here. Still, there’s more melodic Converge in Fleshwork, which makes it more accessible in one sense but even more furious in another. The album is still louder than an indiscriminate bombardment, but that’s clearly the point—it wants you to feel something, even if that feeling is absolute repulsion. You’re alive! Enjoy it while it lasts.

I hope that abandoned building was asbestos-free.

That doesn’t mean this is a perfect endeavor. I might have accepted the band’s love for brickwall production, but that doesn’t make things easy. Some of the shorter tracks, despite their complex mathy rhythms and breakdowns, left me wanting more exploration beyond the constant reminder of how much late-stage capitalism is cannibalizing the world for an 8% return yearly at best. At least the final track gives a glimpse of what more could be done.

Despite those issues, I still believe Pupil Slicer is a fascinating band whose message resonates deeply within our community. If that’s not enough for you, the sheer amount of rage and impressive musicianship might do the trick. There’s a ridiculous level of Mathcore chaos here, but it’s all done with calculated intention. Ironically, such brutality requires elegance and restraint—and that’s exactly what we’ve got here. Enjoyable, grotesque music.

Label: Prosthetic Records

Release date: 7 November 2025

Website: https://pupilslicer.com

Country: UK

Score: 4.0/5.0 (Yes, I’m impressed)