Deterioration – Retaliatory Measures

Artist: Deterioration

Title: Retaliatory Measures

Release: CD / Digital

Year: 2022

Label: Shattered Dreams Productions

Minneapolis’ Deterioration are considered one of the most prolific, if not the most prolific, US grindcore bands of the last two decades or so, and for good reason, as they certainly deserve their widespread recognition—which is more than clearly proven by their latest full-length, Retaliatory Measures, which was released on April 22 via Shattered Dreams Production.

Playing with an old-school DIY grind attitude, the brother duo incorporates deathgrind, even occasionally bordering on vicious noisecore a-la later Agathocles, while still keeping their OSDM influences present and heard. Being such an important band in the scene, they definitely do not disappoint older fans and while preserving the sound from their previous releases, they show a brave gradual improvement in composition, structure and technical ability. A pleasant upgrade of their already brutal and compact style without sounding clichéd like so many grind bands nowadays.

The music here is not a surprise. In fact, it is a logical conclusion and continuation of their rich catalogue which consists of eight full-length albums and many EPs and splits with bands like Haggus and Nak’ay which you definitely need to hear too as Deterioration chooses with whom to collaborate wisely, it seems—judging by the split releases. Not to mention the other killer bands with whom they partnered.

On Retaliatory Measures, brothers Jim and Joe Kahmann deliver the usual blastbeat-heavy, ultra-short, rhythmic songs of utter aggression and power, with tracks rarely exceeding one minute in length—as should be the case for any respectable band in this genre. Jim shows a spectacular vocal range, doing mighty ultra low growls mixed with very impressive high grindcore screams, while playing some of the catchiest grind riffs I’ve heard in a long time, with the occasional deliciously catchy slower part, and his brother Joe is a hell of a drummer—versatile, rhythmic, as fast as you can get. And with the intermittent cool movie samples and great mixing, sonic and compositional dynamics, this album proves to be, if not the best, then at least in the top 3 grindcore releases of the year. That’s saying a lot, considering Deterioraton’s prolific and productive nature, releasing albums, splits and EPs more frequently than many other similar bands (Catherer come to mind)—it seems their inspiration is endless and truly incessant! And Retaliatory Measures is definitely a step up from their previous releases, although stylistically not that different, the musical growth is more than apparent, especially considering the better mixing and great production present here.

This prominent grindcore duo doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, and we’re more than happy to hear what else they’re cooking up for our grind-hungry ears. They are truly a much needed and appreciated gift to this scene and are sure to cause some occasional ear bleeding if you listen to them too much, which is a possibility given the super addictive and catchy nature of their music…

You can get a CD from Shattered Dream Productions or buy the album digitally directly from the band’s official Bandcamp page. Fans of old-school grindcore with some deathgrind and noisecore thrown in will not be disappointed, in fact, they might just find their new favorite band in Deterioration, because this is what true grind should sound like, and the brother duo proves this statement true once again. Get Retaliatory Measures while you can and enjoy this masterpiece of brutal chaos, explore their huge catalog and immerse yourself in the gnarly atmosphere of this great treasure of a band and an album.

Source: diyconspiracy.net