

The onslaught from Infectious Vermin by Rats of Gomorrah wastes no time, launching straight into chaos with “Swarming Death.” The track channels a ferocious Old School Death Metal energy, blending blast beats, relentless double kicks, and jagged, riff-heavy rhythms that complement the visceral vocal delivery. Some backing vocals add extra layers to the screams, especially on “Face No Consequence,” which keeps things electrifying and memorable. It’s a track where the band lets loose, efficiently delivering their full force. The surprise acceleration before the final chorus is brilliant, leading ideally into “Tails Unknown,” a crushing track laced with a subtle melancholy that gives the raw aggression some welcome depth. “Narcissus” shifts gears, dragging the listener through its slow, crushing heaviness, only to transition into the haunting interlude “Rise from the Abyss.” Industrial-inspired keyboards create an eerie atmosphere before “Rattenkönigin” storms in, showcasing the band’s Swedish influences. The song is a masterful blend of hypnotic melodies and raw brutality, balancing these contrasting elements effortlessly.
“Night Orbit” leans into darkness and oppression, building tension with ominous undertones woven through the pummeling riffs. Though brief, the track sets the stage for “Asleep on a Dagger,” an adrenaline-pumping piece packed with infectious harmonics that demand headbanging. This energy continues with “Strychnos,” where Death/Thrash influences and Nordic-inspired melodic leads elevate the track into one of the album’s standout moments. The intensity doesn’t waver as “Towers, Ropes and Knives” introduces blistering guitar work alongside an impressive, atmospheric approach. “Judas Goat” adds a dose of blasphemy to the chaos, weaving through violent nuances—from heavy soloing to devastating breakdowns. The closing tracks, “Cosmicide” and “Vat of Acid,” maintain the momentum. The former juxtaposes pummeling strikes with ethereal moments, while the latter wraps up the album with dissonant, dark harmonics that perfectly encapsulate the rage and chaos.
Rats of Gomorrah’s Infectious Vermin is Death Metal, a masterclass combining raw aggression with intricate artistry. Clocking in at 45 relentless minutes, the album plunges listeners into a maelstrom of Swedish-inspired melodies, unrelenting brutality, and a stunning array of influences that showcase the band’s versatility and precision. Every track offers something unique, whether it’s the haunting industrial tones of “Rise from the Abyss,” the blistering Death/Thrash fury of “Strychnos,” or the crushing, doom-laden weight of “Narcissus.” The band effortlessly moves through a spectrum of sounds, crafting a listening experience that is as dynamic as it is devastating. Melodic interludes are woven seamlessly into moments of punishing heaviness, creating a contrast that keeps the album fresh and unpredictable. The blend of Nordic harmonics and old-school brutality adds a timeless quality to the record. At the same time, the technical skill displayed in the guitar work, percussion, and vocal delivery is nothing short of impressive. The album’s flow is deliberate, moving from frantic chaos to haunting atmospheres and back again, giving listeners an emotional journey that transcends the usual tropes of the genre. Every track demands attention, pulling you deeper into its dark, oppressive world while leaving room for moments of catharsis through melody and texture.