Ulcerate’s ‘Cutting The Throat Of God’ Album Debut with ‘The Dawn Is Hollow’ Single

Ulcerate, emerging from a four-year hiatus, has announced their much-anticipated return with an album provocatively titled ‘Cutting The Throat Of God,’ slated for release on June 14th through Debemur Morti Productions. The band’s debut single from the album, ‘The Dawn Is Hollow,’ which premiered on March 14th, stirred considerable anticipation among enthusiasts and critics alike. Preliminary evaluations suggest this album might ascend as a pinnacle in Ulcerate’s discography and as their most fervently passionate project to date—a significant claim given the album’s audacious title, which sets high expectations for its content.

Formed in 2000 by guitarist Michael Hoggard and drummer Jamie Saint Merat in Auckland, New Zealand, Ulcerate stands as a beacon within the extreme metal genre. Their inception under the moniker Bloodwreath quickly evolved into the formidable entity known as Ulcerate, marking the beginning of a journey that would see them ascend to national and international prominence. The band’s evolution is punctuated by a series of lineup changes and musical experimentation, culminating in a discography that spans six studio albums, each a testament to their continual growth and exploration of the boundaries of death metal.

In the nascent stages of their career (2000–2005), Ulcerate, initially known as Bloodwreath, transformed both name and composition. Following the departure of original vocalist Mark Seeney in early 2006, the band’s lineup solidified. Their debut recording, ‘The Coming of Genocide’ (2004), showcased their early sound, which blended brutal death metal elements with emerging atmospheric touches. This release laid the groundwork for their future exploration of technicality and dissonance.

The era spanning 2006 to 2009 saw Ulcerate solidify their place within the extreme metal scene with the release of ‘Of Fracture and Failure,’ unveiled on September 21st, 2007, under Neurotic Records. This album introduced listeners to Ulcerate’s unique blend of technical death metal with a chaotic structure and atmospheric dissonance, setting a precedent for their future work. The record was marked by intricate compositions and a relentless pace, establishing the band’s foundational sound.

The departure of vocalist James Wallace in 2006 and the inclusion of Ben Read ushered in a new vocal style. Michael Rothwell joined on guitar, adding further instrumental complexity. These elements, combined with their signature blend of technical death metal, dissonance, time signature changes, and complex song structures, drew favorable comparisons to luminary acts such as Neurosis and Gorguts.

Following this, Ulcerate’s second album, ‘Everything Is Fire,’ was released on April 7th, 2009, through Willowtip Records. This release saw the band refining their sound, delivering a more cohesive and expansive work. The album’s complex arrangements and atmospheric depth were further developed, earning Ulcerate critical acclaim and a growing fanbase within the underground metal community.

The band continued to evolve with the release of ‘The Destroyers of All’ on January 25th, 2011. This album was a critical milestone in Ulcerate’s career, emphasizing atmosphere and dynamics even more. It was praised for its innovative approach to death metal, blending brutality with a hauntingly beautiful dissonance that challenged genre conventions.

Extensive touring across Europe and North America cemented their status as a formidable live act, translating their intricate compositions to the stage with visceral impact. The band’s lineup remained relatively stable, featuring Ben Read on vocals, Michael Hoggard and Michael Rothwell on guitars, Paul Kelland on bass and vocals, and Jamie Saint Merat on drums.

Ulcerate made their debut with the record company Relapse Records on September 13th, 2013, with the release of ‘Vermis.’ The release of ‘Vermis’ served to reinforce Ulcerate’s established standing for skillfully constructing intricate and evocative musical compositions. The album delved into themes of deterioration and hopelessness, both in its lyrics and in its oppressive soundscapes.

The album titled ‘Shrines of Paralysis,’ which was released on October 28th, 2016, further delves into the band’s investigation of dissonance and atmospheric density. The album garnered recognition for its exceptional technical skill and the seamless incorporation of atmospheric elements alongside intricate, dissonant riffing, thereby solidifying Ulcerate’s prominent status as a pioneering force in progressive death metal.

Tours across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and North America, alongside notable acts, highlighted the band’s continued relevance and influence within the extreme metal community.

The most recent addition to their discography, ‘Stare Into Death and Be Still,’ was released on April 24th, 2020, through Debemur Morti Productions. This album represented a significant evolution in Ulcerate’s sound, incorporating a more expansive and immersive atmosphere. It was critically acclaimed for its ability to convey a profound sense of introspection and existential contemplation through its intricate compositions and atmospheric depth.

Ulcerate’s musical style, characterized by its technical complexity, atmospheric density, and dissonant harmonies, has been compared favorably to bands such as Gorguts, Neurosis, and Deathspell Omega. The band’s ability to weave intricate musical narratives, marked by unpredictable tempo changes and complex structures, has established them as a unique force within the genre. Central to Ulcerate’s sound are the technical skills and compositional contributions of Jamie Saint Merat and Michael Hoggard, whose drumming and guitar work, respectively, serve as the backbone of their sonic identity.

Recorded over the final quarter of 2023, from September to December, the album’s production was meticulously overseen by drummer Jamie Saint Merat. Merat’s comprehensive involvement extended beyond the realms of recording and mixing to encompass the creation of the album’s visual aesthetics. The mastering process was entrusted to Magnus Lindberg, a figure renowned for his affiliations with eminent groups such as Cult Of Luna, Russian Circles, and Tribulation, ensuring the album’s sound quality meets the high standards set by its thematic ambition.

The initial offering from ‘Cutting The Throat Of God,’ ‘The Dawn Is Hollow,’ epitomizes the band’s signature blend of ferocity and atmospheric depth. Its composition spans a spectrum from relentless velocity to oppressive ambiance, promising an uncompromising sonic journey for the listener. This single heralds Ulcerate’s evolution, showcasing their ability to weave intricate narratives through a complex tapestry of sound that challenges the boundaries of extreme music.

In addition to marking a significant return for the band, ‘Cutting The Throat Of God’ delves into themes of moral decay, the thin line between depravity and extremity, and an inescapable plunge into darkness. This thematic coherence amplifies the album’s impact, offering not just a collection of tracks but a cohesive exploration of profound and often unsettling territories.

The announcement of the album has been accompanied by the availability of pre-orders, including limited-edition vinyl variants, CDs, and digital formats, underscoring the band’s commitment to accessibility and the diverse preferences of their audience. Ulcerate’s previous work further amplifies the anticipation surrounding this release, ‘Stare Into Death And Be Still,’ which garnered critical acclaim for its innovative melding of melody and extremity, earning spots on year-end lists from respected outlets. These accolades underscore Ulcerate’s unique position within the metal genre, blending instrumental virtuosity with a profound sense of atmosphere to create experiences that are both intellectually engaging and viscerally powerful.

As ‘Cutting The Throat Of God’ prepares to make its mark, both the band and their audience stand on the precipice of a significant moment—a testament to Ulcerate’s enduring ability to evolve, provoke, and captivate through the medium of extreme music.