Shining light on a deranged serial killer isn’t exactly the most taboo concept, especially in Extreme Metal. And really, what better vehicle to use for that purpose?

Brutal Deathcore savages Monument Of Misanthropy’s 12-track de facto concept album Vile Postmortem Irrumatio (Transcending Obscurity Records) chronicles the sordid tale of Edmund Kemper, a larger-than-life (6’9” to be exact) figure who is as much of a monster as he is a fascinating mind.

Clips from his many interviews/interrogations are woven throughout, which adds another layer since he’s still alive as of writing.

But Vile isn’t the musical equivalent of a B-movie, low-budget slasher. There are groovy vocal lines and downright stimulating instrumentations. There is an emphasis on Kemper just as much as there is on pounding compositions and in-your-face girth.

“How To Make A Killer” gets its message across with head-spinning bombast and punch. The song evolves later on into a fucking slamming good time.

All through, the guitars work to imbue a ferocious and savage setting. The mood established is eclectic (“Manipulating The Experts”), empowering (title track), and foreboding (“The Devil’s Side”). 

The effective display of easy-to-consume vocal sections, especially on “The Atascadero Years,” further enhances the conceptual nature of this full-length. It’s a story that should be told, and Monument Of Misanthropy are careful to refrain from glorifying Kemper the same way Ted Bundy garnered media attention for his perceived good looks.

Showing a keen sense of versatility, the album also features gnarly headbanging opportunities and surprisingly bouncing energy.

To hear the actual words from the killer’s mouth himself is no doubt chilling, and thankfully, Vile Postmortem Irrumatio never loses the plot as it marries devastating vigor with real-life terror.

Buy the album here:
https://monumentofmisanthropydm.bandcamp.com/album/vile-postmortem-irrumatio

8 / 10
MATT COOK