A bittersweet day for Blackened Death Metal trio, FLESHPOIL (feat. Arsis, The Final Sleep, Illucinus alumni), as they celebrate today’s release of debut album, The Beginning of the End, and mourn the recent passing of vocalist/guitarist, Jeff Andrews.
Andrews passed away on March 19 at age 51. The band states: “A highly in-demand singer and guitarist, Jeff performed on numerous albums and played countless live shows as a member of many notable bands from the upstate New York area. He is loved and missed by many.“
The Beginning of the End is available to stream/purchase at:
fleshspoilofficial.bandcamp.com/album/the-beginning-of-the-end
open.spotify.com/album/3ayzZZGNZ8btubCw4PBzix
“Fleshspoil absolutely knock it out of the park for their first effort. If you want a thrilling mixture of black, death, doom and beyond, The Beginning of the End thoroughly delivers.” (9/10)
– Dead Rhetoric
“An album that is captivating, immersive and thought provoking.” (9/10)
– Metal Noise
“A harsh album that beats you over the head with its nihilistic vibes, but surprises by having more melody, experimental moments, and a certain amount of anthemic value.” (9/10)
– Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life
“Fleshspoil not only features the former drummer of Arsis but finds them attacking the Blackened Death Metal subgenre with a catchier take than most. The Beginning of the End finds their dissonant mix of atmosphere and thrashing striking a soothing discordance. Stellar songwriting.” (9/10)
– Ghost Cult Magazine
“A brutal monster with numerous subplots, an incredible wealth of detail, and a range that encompasses everything from djent to sludge.” (8.5/10)
– Powermetal.de
“Highly recommended for fans of classic Death, Black, and Doom Metal, Fleshspoil deliver a haunting and aggressive soundscape during the entire The Beginning of the End.“
– The Headbanging Moose
“A blast of evil, ugly sound and then carries through a whole album of often surprising stuff.”
– Metal Crypt
“Fleshspoil‘s debut represents a promising entry into the NYC metal pantheon. Andrews’, Van Dyne’s, and Saltzman’s metal credentials are unquestioned.”
– Angry Metal Guy
“Raw, rough and ready, and enthralling. Recommended.”
– Flying Fiddlesticks
“An album I’ve found myself consistently fascinated by, reeled back in by its versatility and craftsmanship. It straddles the line of knowing when to surprise, but it also understands the need for payoff with a huge, carnivorous riff that takes your head off your neck.”
– The Razors Edge
“Fleshspoil doesn’t act conservatively on their debut album, The Beginning Of The End. While the trio are a death/black metal band, they don’t hold themselves back for these six songs.”
– Heavy Music Headquarters
“A milestone in which the band has put all their effort into getting off to a good start. A self-released work that stands out.”
– Necromance
Fans of classic death, black, and doom metal take note! FLESHSPOIL delivers a haunting and aggressive soundscape, and features a lineup of seasoned musicians: Jeff Andrews (guitar/vocals), a veteran of New York’s metal scene, known for his work with The Final Sleep, Armor Column, Hush, Ironweed, Scavengers, and Held Under. Mike Van Dyne (drums), known for his role in Arsis, where he played on acclaimed releases such as A Celebration of Guilt and A Diamond for Disease, and toured globally alongside heavyweights like Behemoth, Arch Enemy, Exodus, Cynic, Dying Fetus, Grave, Necrophagist, Napalm Death, and Six Feet Under. Dan Saltzman (bass), hailing from the Bay Area, whose impressive work has been showcased in Illucinus and The Hunt, as well as recent demonstration videos for ESP bass guitars.
Produced and mixed by Brett Portzer (Skinless, Author & Punisher, Arsis), The Beginning of the End consists of six tracks clocking in at 37 minutes. It is the creative vision of Andrews and Van Dyne, who recorded two albums and performed together alongside such notable bands as At The Gates, Wolves In The Throne Room, Sanctuary, Rivers of Nihil, Fates Warning, All That Remains, and many others with their previous band, The Final Sleep. The Beginning of the End additionally includes guest appearances by Kyle Chapman (Aethereus, Blighted Eye), John Judson (Rwake, Scott Kelly), and Petr Oplatka (Illucinus).
Track Listing:
1. Bleed Through This Life
2. Skies Turn To Graves
3. Fleshspoil
4. Walking Dead
5. A Frail Demise
6. Born Into Despair
Credits:
Guitar solo and additional chaos on “Bleed Through This Life” by Kyle Chapman of Aethereus and Blighted Eye.
Guitar solo on “Walking Dead” by Petr Oplatka of Illucinus.
Lap steel guitar on “Bleed Through This Life” and “Skies Turn To Graves” by John Judkins of Rwake.
Drum tracking engineered by Brett Portzer at White Lake Music & Post.
Guitar and vocal tracking engineered by Van Dyne/Andrews.
Produced, mixed & mastered by Brett Portzer.
Music and arrangements by Andrews/Van Dyne. Lyrics by Andrews.
Cover art: “L’Umana Fragilità” by Salvator Rosa (1656)
Line-up: (l-r)
Mike Van Dyne – Drums
Jeff Andrews – Guitar/Vocals
Dan Saltzman – Bass