After splitting in 1995, the legendary death metal band Autopsy reunited and released the very well received comeback album ‘Macabre Eternal’ in 2011. Last year’s ‘The Headless Ritual’ did not receive quite the same critical acclaim, although we thought it was pretty awesome.  Now, less than a year after that album came out, Autopsy are back with the new full-length ‘Tourniquets, Hacksaws and Graves.’

Autopsy like to change things up, mixing in doomy sections alongside traditional death metal and faster, grindy parts. On tracks like ‘King of Flesh Ripped’ and 'Teeth of the Shallow Horde,’ they slow the tempo down to glacial before speeding it back up to a gallop. That dynamic style has served them well over the years, and they keep to that template on ‘Tourniquets, Hacksaws and Graves.’

Songs such as 'After the Cutting' showcase both Chris Reifert’s drumming and his vocals. There are some great drum fills, and he showcases numerous vocal styles. That’s the case throughout the album, as he uses everything from the usual death metal growls to yells to high pitched shrieks.

The guitar work by Eric Cutler and Danny Coralles is excellent. You don’t necessarily expect shredding on a death metal record, but you’ll hear some first-class solos on the album along with memorable riffs.

The gore-soaked lyrics are in full effect, and it wouldn’t be an Autopsy album without them. In addition to the song titles already mentioned, one look at the title track, 'Burial' and the song 'Autopsy' leaves no doubt about the lyrical direction. And if you still have any questions, just check out the gruesome cover art by Wes Benscoter.

Being able to churn out a quality album like ‘Tourniquets, Hacksaws and Graves’ so quickly shows that the creative well is nowhere near dry for Autopsy. Seems like that well is full to the brim with blood, guts, saws and probably a zombie or two.

4 Stars
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