SEVERED HEADSHOP
"It's About Fucking Time" Demo
Self Released
Death Metal/Grind
2018
Tracklisting:
1. Whalecum!
2. Self Gorification
3. Statutory Fate
4. Megastab to the Face
Severed Headshop is a four-piece death/grind band coming out of South Bend, Indiana comprised of Joe Jacobs (gutturals), Ryan Kuder (Guitars), Ian Dygulski (bass) and Justin Wallisch (drums). The Metallum also lists Chris Bolka as songwriter for the demo and former guitarist. Severed Headshop logo and demo artwork was done by Ryan Kuder. The band has been around since 2009 with "It's About Fucking Time" from 2018 being their only release so far. I'm guessing hence the title of the demo possibly poking fun at themselves for taking nine years to release something possibly? They are currently finishing up an EP to be hopefully released in the near future.
"It's About Fucking Time" is a three (four including the intro) song demo that can be both chaotic (in a good way) and catchy at the same time. The opening track is a 40 second intro entitle "Whalecum!" (welcome) and sounds to be sort of a talk show with the "announcer" introducing their musical guest finally arriving and trying to figure out the band's name because death metal logos are hard to read. Finally getting it right after a couple tries he announces their new demo "It's About Fucking Time" to wonderous applause from the crowd before going into the chaos, mentioned earlier, of the opening riff sequence of their second track "Self Gorification". "Self.." slows to a midpaced but heavy riff sequence reminding me of some oldschool thrash riffage and also a cool bass spot. More controlled chaos insues with "Statutory Fate" which in turn switches back to mid tempo catchy riffs. Joe's vocal patterns are nice and choppy flowing well with the guitar patterns behind them on "Statutory..." also.
Production of the "It's About Fucking Time" demo is decent for a demo. I do wish the drums and bass were louder in the mix, especially on closer "Megastab to the Face". They are barely noticeable on that song. However this is a demo and in my eyes demos are mostly about just getting something out to the masses and get your name and music circulating and has no effect on me as far as liking or disliking a band. I like a band for their talent, musicianship, etc. and I do like Severed Headshop and definitely look forward to their upcoming EP. South Bend is only a couple hours away from me so who knows, maybe after all this pandemic shit goes away and the world can get back to enjoying live shows again, just maybe I'll pop in for a show and check them out how bands should be heard. Live.
The "It's About Fucking Time" demo is, as far as I know, digital only on their bandcamp site. Best thing is, it's free to manually download or for $1 or more you can stream it on your bandcamp account/app. Either way go check them out and if you like what you hear pick up the demo.