Metal Underground.com

Jungle Rot’s latest album “Terror Regime” is a Jungle Rot album. Those who have heard any music from the band before knows what that means. After almost 20 years together, they have earned the “veteran” status, though they aren’t content with just touring on the classics alone. Their consistency in releasing albums matches bands like Cannibal Corpse, and just like that legendary band, Jungle Rot maintains their relevancy on “Terror Regime.” What you expect from Jungle Rot is what you get; audacious death metal with a modern production.

Signing to Victory Records didn’t water down their sound too greatly on “Kill on Command,” and the same holds true for “Terror Regime.” Jungle Rot's death metal infuses groove and technical elements, with a few breakdowns to get the pits turning. The word “breakdown” can illicit a ravenous backlash from a certain audience, but Jungle Rot doesn’t overuse or rely on them as a crutch. The title track has a massive one that breaks the song up, though it may come off as overkill for those who despise breakdowns.

The band doesn’t overkill much else on “Terror Regime,” sticking to their death metal in a prompt manner. These 11 songs don’t overstay their presence, and to-the-point songwriting is the band’s forte. Tempo variations on “I Am Hatred,” “Scorn,” and “Pronounced Dead” do their part to avoid the songs blending into one repetitive, jaunting listen. The lead guitar work is capable, and the understated rhythm section ups their performance from “Kill On Command.”

Have no fear, the band hasn’t forgotten how to become unhinged. “Voice Your Disgust” is a suitable opening anthem, “Utter Chaos” can be judged based on its title alone, and “Ruthless Omnipotence” is superbly placed after a few menacing cuts. Vocalist/guitarist Dave Matrise has lost none of the spark and fury from his voice after so many years, and Matrise’s lyrics of wartime destruction and the stench of death are given permanence thanks to his vicious growls.

On past albums, Jungle Rot has covered songs from well-known artists, including Destruction and Slayer. They continue to put their mark on original songs by giving D.R.I.’s “I Don’t Need Society” a death metal makeover. It’s not a major reinterpretation of the punk classic, but it’s worth hearing the band inject some punk-ish roots into their music. At under two minutes, the song provides a break, which it does far better than the underdeveloped “Carpet Bombing” that follows.

“Terror Regime” is Jungle Rot performing what they’ve been doing since the days of the “Skin the Living” demo. The production values are better and the drumming is flashier, but this is still Jungle Rot we’re discussing. They play death metal and do a damn good job of it on their seventh full-length record. “Terror Regime” is a quick pick-me-up when life hands you a rough day.