UMUR
"Flayed Disciple" is a self-titled EP release by UK death/thrash metal act Flayed Disciple. Despite the eponymous title it´s not the band´s debut release, as they have released two EPs and an album before this one. The EP was released in May 2014 on limited edition 12" Red vinyl through Bethlam Records and digitally through the band´s Bandcamp profile.
The 20:06 minutes long EP features 3 tracks of brutal and aggressive death/thrash. The instrumental part of the music is thrash metal through and through, so it´s the growling vocals which provide the music with a death metal element. It´s actually a bit of an unusual choice to include regular growls on a death/thrash metal release instead of the more typical higher pitched snarling type vocals. It´s not that it makes "Flayed Disciple" a particularly original sounding release, but it just makes it slightly different from other releases in the genre.
Despite the music being relatively standard for the genre, Flayed Disciple still manages to convey their message in a very convincing manner. They are not only skilled musicians who know how to handle their instruments, but they also play with fierce energy and passion. Sometimes they whip up a storm of aggression with fast blasting drums (not completely unlike the fast blasting sections played by Defleshed), ultra fast thrashy riffing, and tempo changes to keep things varied, which is a very effective cocktail.
The EP is well produced and upon conclusion "Flayed Disciple" is a quality release by the band. The only thing missing is a more personal original sound, where Flayed Disciple comes up a bit short, but if you´re looking for a furiously aggressive death/thrash metal assault delivered by a band who takes absolutely no prisoners, this EP will apply to your needs. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.