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PSYCHOSOMATIC SELF-MUTILATION: THE APEX OF SELECTIVE EXTINGUISHMENT

PSYCHOSOMATIC SELF-MUTILATION: THE APEX OF SELECTIVE EXTINGUISHMENT

   It is with fondness that we remember and celebrate the life and work of Martin Funderud, one of the most talented, hard working and determined Slam soldiers ever to storm the scene. Known for his formidable bestial vocal talents, Martin was a pioneer of his vocal style and remains one of the best to this day. Martin was a dedicated musician and creator of extreme music, known for his countless Brutal Slamming Death Metal endeavors and guest appearances. One of his last projects, Psychosomatic Self-Mutilation, is undeniably one of his best. Alongside his brother, guitarist Mats Funderud, the Tony Iommi of Slam, the Slam twins forged a single EP, The Apex Of Selective Extinguishment which is not only one of the best efforts of the brother's respective careers, but also one of the most barbaric releases ever to hit the scene.
   The Apex Of Selective Extinguishment comprises of 6 tracks of unrelenting Slamming savagery. Considering the combined résumé of the Funderud brothers, it is hardly surprising that the EP does carry certain styles and characteristics of their other projects, namely the sludgy tones of Diphenylchloroarsine and of course, the raw barbarity of the Slam kings themselves, Kraanium. That said, this EP is enticingly unique and original, shining out brightly through a scene so prone to replicating and repeating itself.
   The deep, muffled tones of the hammering riffs that usher in the opening track, "Decrepit Inception", are as savage as they are skillfully produced. Make no mistake, this is Brutal Slamming Death-Metal, so of course there are blast-beats, machine-gun kickdrumming, rumbling fuzzy bass tones and sickening gutturals aplenty, but it is so masterfully done here that it puts most of the Slam world to shame. 
   "Monoliths Of Human Eradication" is a traditional Slam assault, armed with eardrum perforating bass drops, frantic drum battery and monolithic grooves. As the grooves build, unleashing a colossal Slamming finale, Psychosomatic Self-Mutilation show exactly what they are capable of and remind us all just why these musicians are considered the best in the business.
   "Transmutation Through Forced Impregnation", totaling an uncommon 5 minutes running time, is crammed with heavyweight, pummeling Slamming slide riffs and intoxicating grooves. Diligently dancing from hypnotic waves of chugging riffs, to screeching technical notes and speedy shreds, Mats shows off his talented taming of the strings beautifully on this merciless track.
   Title track "The Apex Of Selective Extinguishment" features a splendid vocal appearance from Ben Wright (Unfathomable Ruination), in what is definitely the most intense track of the EP, offering a variety of punishing sludgy Slams, Martin's incredible vocals on top form and full force fast sections followed by monumental Slamming breakdowns. Closing track "Experimental Torturous Purification", ends the EP on a high note. Armed with treacle thick industrial slamming guitar work, insane cataclysmic drumming, and a glorious guest contribution from Diphenylchloroarsine vocalist, Ben Wingmark. Although the instrumental tools of the trade are obviously the same throughout the EP, there is no denying that the monstrous slide riffs contained within the closing track are memorable and more than a little pleasing to the ear. 
   It is almost bittersweet blasting this Brutal masterpiece now, as the excellence of this offering leaves you hungry for more of Psychosomatic Self-Mutilation's brand of top level music warfare. It is moments like The Apex Of Selective Extinguishment, that Martin will be remembered for, and why his legacy as one of the greatest of this game will live on forevermore.                  



THANK YOU FOR READING! FEEL FREE TO COMMENT OR ASK ANY QUESTIONS!

THE APEX OF SELECTIVE EXTINGUISHMENT is available through ROTTEN MUSIC here

Full EP stream available here


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