Album review: Primal Code – Opaque Fixation

Given that Primal Code count a former member of horrifying U.S. noiseniks Indian in their ranks, it would be understandable to anticipate them dealing in sludgy noise. In fact, the trio crank out straight-down-the-line death metal designed to break things to. In just under 40 minutes they certainly create some carnage, and it's the kind of record that gets better with every exposure.

They do, in truth, peak a little early in that second track Anapsid is the best thing here, kicking off in a storm of double kick drumming and thunderous riffs before throwing in some d-beat bludgeoning, which suits them down to the ground. Still, every track delivers the goods, there being no filler anywhere in the record's vicinity, the likes of Hive and the swaggering Terminal particularly strong.

Things get mean and a little more epic with the stomping, doomy grooves of Extinction, showing another side to their blend of violence before they hit the gas and annihilate. Throughout, there is a leanness, matched by their one word titles, and they manage to toe the line between old school and contemporary death metal with style.

The unit finish strong with the weighty Stuck, which has some sneering attitude to it, getting in your face as they close the door. Wielding the confidence and chops of a band that's been around five times as long as the trio have this very much feels like the start of something special. If you like your music to kick you in the head, repeatedly, then Opaque Fixation is for you.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: Misery Index, Napalm Death, Decapitated

Opaque Fixation is out now via Relapse