Meaning in the madness, pain behind the power.

With Hell Inside, Cordyceps have carved out a vicious, no-holds-barred slab of modern death metal that’s as punishing as it is purposeful. Across nine tracks and nearly 43 minutes, the band plunges deep into themes of inner torment, societal decay and raw, unfiltered rage. The result is a tightly executed, darkly cathartic release that grabs you by the throat from the first note and never lets up.

Opening track “Filth” sets the tone immediately: guttural vocals, relentless blast beats and chugging guitars that easily shift between groove and technicality. A grime to the production works in the band’s favor—it sounds like it was recorded in a burning basement, full of smoke, blood and bad intentions. But despite its chaotic exterior, Cordyceps keeps a tight grip on structure. “Filth” doesn’t just pummel—it leads somewhere, and that sense of control amid destruction defines the rest of the record.

“Suffocating” slows the tempo just enough to let the dread creep in. The riffs hit like cinder blocks, while the vocals tear into the theme of being trapped in your mind. It’s a perfect example of how Hell Inside isn’t just heavy for the sake of it—it’s emotionally weighted, tapping into fear, anger and despair with each verse.

“I Am Hate” is a standout, both musically and lyrically. It’s a venomous anthem of self-destruction, fueled by blast beats and a riff that spirals like a descent into madness. Cordyceps lean into their influences here, with touches of deathcore, blackened death and grind peeking through without overshadowing their core sound. It’s not genre-blending for novelty—it’s organic and terrifyingly effective.

“Diseased Mind” and “Murder All” continue the sonic assault, but each track finds its emotional angle. The former is a mid-tempo crusher that oozes paranoia, while the latter rages like a cold-blooded purge. “Flock of Sheep,” the shortest track, packs the most direct social commentary. With its chaotic pacing and barked vocals, it plays like a manifesto against blind conformity—rage sharpened into political critique.

“I Am the Plague” is the album’s longest and most atmospheric track. Here, Cordyceps slow down just enough to let the darkness breathe. Haunting guitar lines weave through blast beats and guttural roars, creating an apocalyptic soundscape that feels personal and global. The lyrical themes—sickness, decay and mass delusion—cut especially deep.

“Obliterate” and “Regret” close the record with a one-two punch of violence and vulnerability. “Obliterate” lives up to its title, throwing everything into a blender of furious riffing and panic-inducing drum work. “Regret” is perhaps the most emotionally resonant track on the album. It doesn’t abandon heaviness but refocuses it, turning brutality inward in a final moment of painful reflection.

Hell Inside is for fans of extreme music, and it is a deeply rewarding album. Cordyceps prove that aggression doesn’t have to be shallow. There’s meaning in the madness and pain behind the power. With this release, they haven’t just made a strong statement but dragged it screaming from the depths of their own hell.