Dutch progressive Death Metal legends Phlebotomized at the peak of their 30 year old career!

 

Phlebotomized is among the oldest Death Metal bands from Holland and one of the first using violin and synthesizers in extreme metal. Their typical “Death Metal with a twist” caused a stir in the booming Dutch metal scene back in the early 90’s. Formed in 1989, Phlebotomized started out as a Grindcore/Death Metal band, inspired by acts like Morbid Angel, Nocturnus and Paradise Lost. Later on, the band began to use keyboard and violin arrangements, resulting in their unique sound. Their “Devoted to God” demo (1992) was recognized as a classic one demo worldwide. In 1994 Phlebotomized released their seminal “Immense Intense Suspense” album which offered an intelligent blend of atmosphere and brutality. It took the Death Metal scene by storm, giving both the band and the album a legendary Cult status worldwide. The band played numerous shows but disbanded shortly after the release of their second full-length album “Skycontact” in 1997.

 

After a hibernation of 16 years, Phlebotomized regrouped in 2013 upon the re-release of their classic albums. The band played several live-shows and started thinking of forging a new album. After some changes in line-up, their comeback album “Deformation of Humanity” was recorded and released by Hammerheart Records in 2019). This album received raving reviews and Phlebotomized played several (international) shows and festivals in 2019. In 2020 they hit the studio again to record their EP “Pain, Resistance, Suffering”, released in 2021. Again a recording containing all elements that distinguishes Phlebotomized from the ordinary: wayward and exploring beyond the scopes of conventional paths in Death Metal.

 

Forward to 2023 and “Clouds Of Confusion”! If you are a Death Metal fan that still craves for the 90’s, you need “Clouds of Confusion”. It does not get better than this if you love what Phlebotomized did in the past. If you need to bang your head check out “Clouds of Confusion “ for some real Old School Death Metal. For those of you who need not mind- lessly bang their head, who can allow things like atmosphere and intelligence to occasionally enter into your realm, you will really appreciate this just as well. But still, we would not justify what Phlebotomized delivers on this great album, because there is so much more to hear and discover. Something that is rare these days, an album that grows, an album that reveals something new with each spin. Perhaps it is again an album ahead of its time, although it is definitely looking back in time just as well