As the repulsive creature with a twisted, insectile form and human-like intelligence emerged from its ootheca stage, it felt an insatiable hunger gnawing from its insides. Its limbs, elongated and grotesque, twitched with newfound power, and its once human eyes shimmered with an otherworldly luminescence. As it took its first trembling steps, the hybrid, sentient being was startled by the eerie silence that surrounded it. It could feel the weight of a thousand eyes on its back, and it knew it was not alone. A primal rage surged through its body, and it roared in anger, sending shockwaves through the desolate wasteland that was once Earth. The nymph stage had just begun, and it was already a force of nature.
Terrasite (noun)
“terra-“ (Latin = “earth”) + “-sitos” (Greek = “food”) Definition:
1. A devourer or destroyer of land or earth.
2. Post-Anthropocene humanity
The title is a word invented by Ryan that brings together “Terra-“ meaning “earth” and “-site” derived from the Greek word “-sitos” which means “food.” “The combination of the two means ‘earth-eater.’ It’s a metaphor for humanity’s role in the destruction of the planet and is a play-on-words of the very fitting word ‘parasite.”
Fierce Cacophonist’s Cattle Decapitation are a five piece metal faction. Their niche is death-grind with a lyrical emphasis on activism. Their career encompasses almost 20 years of consistant mastery. The band have released a brand new album, Terrasite Via Metal Blade Records.
From total annihilation to rebirth, “Terrasite” takes you on a journey from anthropogenic ecocide, (Death Atlas) to a new beginning, (Terrasite).
Terrasite is an intense and provocative album that continues Cattle Decapitations tradition of exploring environmental and animal welfare issues through their music. The bands unique signature blend of death metal, grindcore, and progressive metal is on full display. Their sound on this album is so unique, its as if they’ve spawned a new genre altogether. From the opening moments the listener is immediately plunged into a world of unrelenting brutality and unyielding aggression.
What sets Terrasite apart from the bands other works is the emphasis on melodic atmospheric sound while perduring incontrovertible savagery.
One way the band distinguishes itself is through the vocal technique of frontman Travis Ryan which involves a form of tunnel throat with an interesting spin of melodic banshee wails and glottic distortion. Travis smoothly transitions from raspiness to dinosaur screams. His elocution abilities are unparalleled. Travis captivates the audience by drawing them in through strong song writing, compelling vocal delivery and emotional depth. He projects clarity and conviction through his lyrics. The spectator is able to connect to the music on a personal level which creates a powerful musical experience.
The guitars provide a subtle, textured, ambient fusion thats meant to create a divergent sound. Josh Elmore’s leads are known for his technically skilled and innovative approach to guitar. Theres a combination of intricate layering and solos with high gain tones that cut through the mix. The tapping and legato strategies add depth and complexity.
Belisario Dimuzios adds palm-muted power chords and intricacy that perfectly felicitate Elmore’s leads. One of the stand out aspects of Belisario’s guitar playing is his use of dissonant chords and atonal melodies, which add to the albums overall sense of unease and atrocity.
The craft of Olivier Pinard’s bass playing style is characterized by proficiency, versatility and his ability to create a thick and heavy foundation. The rapid-fire bass lines are one of many stand out aspects. The range of tonal textures and dynamic coupled with his use of effects peddles apply contrast and helps to anchor the music and drive it forward with relentless energy.
David McGraw’s ferocious drumming with use of polyrhythms, odd time signatures and unconventional phrasing add a sense of unpredictability. The blast beats, double bass and fills create a sense of chaos and vociferousness. He’s known for his impeccable timing, use of dynamic range and seamless transition from quiet, sparse sections to explosive full-throttle sections.
Lyrically the album emerges from total annihilation to rebirth although what has risen is very disturbing. The soaring choruses and haunting interludes add an extra layer of depth to the album’s already powerful music.
Lyrically “Terrasite” is as biting and incisive as ever, with the bands recurrent themes taking aim at everything from climate change denial to factory farming. A searing critique of humanities destructive impact on the planet.
Terrasite is a fantastic addition to the bands already impressive discography. With its combination of musical virtuosity and social commentary, its an album that demands to be heard.
Overall Cattle Decapitation’s album Terrasite is a powerful and stimulating work of art that’s a cautionary tale aiming to raise awareness about the critical environmental challenges facing the world today, and to inspire people to take action to protect the planet for future generations.
CATTLE DECAPITATION will support Dark Funeral on the tenth annual Decibel Magazine Tour. The journey will commence on May 11th in Santa Ana, California and run through June 10th in Los Angeles, California. Additional support will be provided by 200 Stab Wounds and Blackbraid.
CATTLE DECAPITATION w/ Dark Funeral, 200 Stab Wounds, Blackbraid:
5/11/2023 The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA
5/12/2023 The Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ
5/13/2023 El Rey – Albuquerque, NM
5/15/2023 Granada Theater – Dallas, TX
5/16/2023 Empire Control Room – Austin, TX
5/17/2023 The Warehouse – Houston, TX
5/19/2023 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL
5/20/2023 Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA
5/21/2023 The Underground – Charlotte, NC
5/23/2023 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD
5/24/2023 Irving Plaza – New York, NY * No Blackbraid
5/26/2023 Club Soda – Montreal, QC
5/27/2023 Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON
5/28/2023 Crofoot Ballroom – Pontiac, MI
5/30/2023 The Metro – Chicago, IL
5/31/2023 First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
6/02/2023 The Summit – Denver, CO
6/03/2023 The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT
6/05/2023 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
6/06/2023 The Vogue Theater – Vancouver, BC
6/07/2023 The Roseland Ballroom -Portland, OR
6/09/2023 The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA
6/10/2023 Regent Theater – Los Angeles, CA
CATTLE DECAPITATION ONLINE
