Metalcatto
Bragging Rights is one of our oldest followers, so I have to disclose a conflict of interest here. Don’t worry, though — I’m just going to increase the usual banter with Carpe Jugulum. We’re back with your favorite Gojira-worshipping act, and this time we must embrace the artist’s hairline right away, as if he wanted us to admire his last trip to Turkey. Anyway, this is a deep-underground special, and I’m ready to believe those cursed cymbals are finally fixed. Can I dare to have hope? Let’s find out.
Carpe Jugulum follows the same line as the rest of Bragging Rights’ work, with the noticeable exception that the production has improved slightly. The riffs are much easier to hear now — thunderous, punchy, and clearly an homage to From Mars to Sirius or The Way of All Flesh. Honestly, a Brit this infatuated with a French band should probably expect his citizenship to be revoked at any moment. The vocals serve a largely ornamental purpose: effective, decently mixed, but clearly not the core of the experience. Still, I appreciate the brevity here — this whole thing doesn’t even reach the 40-minute mark, which for a Gojira-inspired project is practically a haiku.
Despite some improvement in the drumming section, this is still an extremely guitar-driven album. That’s not a complaint, though. The kid in me misses the days when the guitarist could tell the rest of the band to suck it because they were the only ones that mattered — but enough nostalgia for my privileged youth. Expect bombastic, stomping moments throughout the record, perfectly designed to keep you entertained unless you hate Gojira. In that case, I assume you’re still here only for the jokes, and honestly, that’s fair.
So yes, this is still an underground release with rough edges. Bragging Rights continues its eternal war with the cymbals — and unfortunately, I can’t offer actual sound-engineering advice; all I can contribute are snarky comments. The drums remain a bit funny, but overall, the riffs have taken a clear step forward. Interestingly, the first and more depressive track stands out in a unique way. I’d genuinely like to hear the project explore that more melodic and sorrowful direction. You know I’m an advocate for music that sends people straight to therapy, and because I’m part of that lobby, I’ll never complain about it.
So, do you still want something dirty from the sewer but with actual instrumental value? Or are you wondering what Djent would sound like if the songs were short and featured more than just open-string chugs? Then Carpe Jugulum is absolutely worth your time. You’ve got nothing to lose — and if you’re worried about your dignity, well, I didn’t know you had any left. Cheers!
Label: Independent
Release date: November 21, 2025
Website: https://braggingrights2022.bandcamp.com/album/carpe-jugulum
Country: UK
Score: Beans on toast
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