A beguiling atmosphere. A deliberate sense of urgency. A cacophony of turmoil and finality: blackened Grindcore-meets-crust purveyors Yersin needed only a hair under twenty-five minutes to effectively and enthusiastically encapsulate all of the above mentioned techniques, and then some.

The Scythe Is Remorseless (Trepanation Recordings) sounds as if the Sunderland-based trio recorded seven tracks in the midst of an apocalyptic phenomenon known only to them. The sound bites and pierces; the vocals pummel and decimate. Together, it’s enthralling.

Don’t be hesitant because of the grindcore tag as this journey plays out with much precision, polish and direction. The tenacity is palpable while every single waking second of this record exudes craftsmanship, both structurally and musically. 

Impressively enough, the zany guitar fills featured on the title track even evoke images of a plague-ridden village, entirely void of anything living or anything that has lived in the last six months. The changing of tones and harmonies portend pestilence. 

“Mouths Like Open Graves” is not only a super metal name for a song. Crusty riffing provokes penetrating drums before “SURROUNDED BY SCUM!” is bellowed out again and again. The appropriately named introduction track “Triumphant” goes through fits and starts that devolve into abrasive screams and hellacious huffs, and promises an upcoming scene that isn’t for the weak of heart.

Believe it or not, there is room for some cheeky lyrics and moments of lightheartedness on Scythe. “Lust For Crust” reveals to the listener, “They lust for crust / he wants the D / They lust for crust / she wants the D… (Beat!)”. Before everything is said and done, though, “Doom” provides politically leaning, spoken-word commentary. So there’s basically something for everyone on this record.

With a theme as morbidly curious as the end of civilization, much has already been written and spoken about. It seems not a week or month goes by without another metal-adjacent band releasing a concept album depicting yet another thing that is destined to kill us all.

Yersin, however, have provided a remarkably unique and painstakingly written album that is able to touch on all the human senses. It’s atmospheric, yet it also leaves the listener to create their own personal hellscape to accompany this outstanding soundtrack.

Buy the album here:
https://yersinofficial.bandcamp.com/album/the-scythe-is-remorseless

9 / 10
MATT COOK