There are many within the world of extreme metal who want the music to be an unappealing, selective place that is hostile to new listeners. At the same time, there are others who see the slow evolution and acceptance of genres like doom, black metal, and even death metal within certain broader musical audiences as a positive thing. Despite this, there are always going to be bands that simply do not jive with those outside of their niche audiences — for better or worse. Brutal Death metal outfit Kraanium are one such band, and it’s evident immediately that their latest effort, Chronicles of Perversion, isn’t trying to garner any sort of broader appeal. With song titles like “Eviscerated Pre-Teen Cadavers” and “Sodomize Her Headless Corpse,” it’s clear what kind of low-brow stimulation we’re in for. Unfortunately, in spite of the shocking-yet-predictable aesthetic, this is brutal death metal without any of the brutality. Just because a band can write gorey lyrics and commission off-putting album art doesn’t mean they can back it up musically.

Kraanium pump out generic brutal death metal that feels rote and lifeless. And the production on Chronicles is a mess. In the “heavy” moments where one would expect slamming mosh-worthy riffs, the low end on both the guitars and bass is so wimpy that they lose all impact. Furthermore, the drums are muffled and tinny, which is odd given they have such a predominant place within the production. The most audible element of their sound is vocalist Martin Funderland’s belched guttural growls. Even though Funderland’s delivery lacks distinction, it’s at least competent in terms of what has come to be expected from brutal death metal. And thankfully, the inarticulate nature of such vocal stylings means we don’t have to hear any of the, frankly, lame misogynistic gore poetry featured on every track.

Chronicles of Perversion’s only standout element is the sound bites Kraanium use as intros and outros for various songs. This isn’t because such practice is a unique addition for the genre, but because they leave an unsettling impression. Each and every one of these clips deals with disturbing sexual violence and murder that makes one wonder if their lyrical content and album art are more than just thematic schtick. I understand the arguments for why some would find this fine, inoffensive, or even enjoyable, but it’s all just a little too much for this reviewer’s constitution, and verges on what some would call “problematic.”

Are there any highlights on the album? Well, there is at least one particularly cool guitar solo in the title track “Chronicles of Perversion,” and a smattering of blackened riffs that are at least not completely standard for the genre. So that’s something. Otherwise, the honest truth is that not much stands out here in terms of songwriting. If there’s anything worthwhile, the poor production has it hidden, but I doubt I’m missing anything. The simple fact that Kraanium seem only concerned with playing within the confines of the brutal death metal holds their music back.

There’s an argument to be made that brutal death metal’s inaccessibility and themes have relegated it to an eternally niche underground status, thus making it a less-popular style within the heavy metal umbrella. But listening to Chronicles of Perversion makes one wonder if it might just be because most of this music just doesn’t do anything all that exciting. Kraanium’s music lacks the sonic heaviness of something like Disfiguring the Goddess, and is devoid of the prog/tech elements that Defeated Sanity uses to push this style of death metal forward. Instead, Kraanium’s Chronicles of Perversion is little more than a basic, uninteresting slam record that, unless you just need a quick filler, can — and should — be skipped over.

– Brendan

Chronicles of Perversion is available 9.18.2015 via Comatose Music. For more information on Kraanium visit their Facebook page.