Raspberry Bulbs – Deformed Worship (Blackest Ever Black)

Raspberry Bulbs – Deformed Worship (Blackest Ever Black)

About 50 seconds into Deformed Worship opener “Cracked Flesh,” Raspberry Bulbs sets the tone for something unique to this list and, more broadly, metal in general: crusty, scuzzed-out, black metal-leaning punk with serious surf vibes. Raspberry Bulbs have always blurred genres, leaving some to throw ‘em in with the murky lo-fi black metal legions — frontman He Who Crushes Teeth’s old band was Bone Awl, after all — but with Deformed Worship, Raspberry Bulbs have stepped into their own pink-tinted lowlight. This is Raspberry Bulbs’ most focused album to date, one that vomits forth 3-minute wonky rippers. The guitars on Deformed Worship are often synced-up with the bass for extra drive while RB pushes their atonal, stripped-down, and catchy-as-hell melodies. He Who Crushes Teeth’s vocals are distant and distorted, and while they’re clearly menacing, it’s often hard to tell whether they are barking in rage and disgust or delight. What’s certain, though, is that Deformed Worship is a hell of a fun listen. –Wyatt [LISTEN]