Undesiccated - Periderm

Undesiccated are extremely prolific and productive. 'Periderm', their first full-length, is no less than their third offering in 2019. Not bad for a new band, especially since they have gone from strength to strength with each new recording. As before, they unleash their botanogrind, a blend of grindcore and hardcore with a strong botanical and environmental stance spewed out with unrelenting fury. At the same time Undesiccated also weave social injustice and war into the lyrics, which makes sense. I mean, if people keep treating each other horribly, eventually Mother Nature will fare even worse. So it's a very deft way to write songs, indeed. Also in line with the titles of the previous two releases, periderm refers to plants. It is the thicker outer layer which is mainly there to protect plants from injuries of diseases.
Whereas the debut, 'Xylem', was basically an out-and out grind release, newbie 'Periderm' follows more in line with 'Mycorrhizae', the sophomore release, which means a blend of grindcore and hardcore rubbing shoulders with pure and total heaviness. Seven songs in just over 9 minutes is “long” for a grind release but Undesiccated are not your ordinary grind outfit. Having created their own unique take of the genre, botanogrind, which is one of three parts, that sets this band apart from others. Another part is their desire to not comply with the length of the songs, in other words, we do what we want which in turn makes the band brave, open-minded and progressive. And the third, equally important part, is that the lyrics are dual. What I mean is that while just about all of them tells something about our plant system and what that does for us and our planet, they also bring in tales of murder, violence and war. Kind of traditional grind themes but here they are weaved together with the environmental stance and that is thinking outside the box and being progressive, if you ask me.
Opener ‘Intro-Facts About Plants-Trembling Giant’ flies out of the starting blocks at 200 mph. Fast furious and intense it pummels me into a bloody pulp. ‘The Death Factory’ follows and, lo and behold, blends grind with death metal rather brilliantly. Despite the prevalent intensity of the two styles, the song actually allows you to breathe. But the respite is short as ‘Persecution (Prejudice In Unison)' grabs you by the throat only rip your head off. Hey you have to get the attention of people somehow, right! ‘Lineage Of Mephitic Progeny; Destruction And Transformation’ picks it right up only to switch to an almost breakdown mode. Gradually the intensity and insanity builds up…leading straight into ‘Djap Wurrung: The Moving Fullness’. Spazztic and unrelentless it actually feels like a cleansing in all its chaotic and claustrophobic nature. Absolutely fantastic! ‘A Symphony Of Wolves’ Lamenting’ is full onslaught from the word go only to switch to death metal without anyone batting an eyelid. Brilliant! Ending the proceedings with ‘Dosera Glanduligera Regurgitating (The) Infections Of Inherence’ it starts out almost spacey and trippy before launching into grinding territory while ending in a death metal zone. Actually this excellent song represent what Undesiccated are right now. It contains bits and pieces of everything which influences the guys musically and they tie it all together so effortlessly. Love it, absolutely love it!
If the extreme side of metal music is your forte then don’t miss out on Undesiccated. They are turning things around by breaking conventional grounds and rules. All while highlighting the atrocities governments around the world are unleashing on their people and the environment. Great music by great people should be honoured, so join in and get them there!
-Swedebeast