Album Review: Dying Wish – Flesh Stays Together (SharpTone Records)

Dying Wish return with their brand-new album, ‘Flesh Stays Together’, set for release September 26th via SharpTone Records.

On the one hand, this new album is memorable for all the experimentation that Dying Wish have going on. Showcasing an evolved sound that feels natural and proves that with each release, they just get better and better. On the other hand, it’s memorable for how damn heavy it is. An unexpected, but welcome twist to their unmatched formula, especially as it hasn’t resulted in dropped melodies, singing, harmonies, etc.

The best thing Dying Wish have released? Maybe, but even if that’s debatable, the progression of the record isn’t.

Opening with a “middle finger to the music business”, I Don’t Belong Anywhere is a beast that snarls and sneers with enviable passion. Here, you can feel the Dying Wish shift, and it is downright savage in places. Something also notable about A Curse Upon, where the serrated heaviness and speed is offset by a soaring chorus and a dark and cold melodic drop.

It’s with I’ll Know You’re Not Around that the experimental edge of modern Dying Wish really steps forth. Exposing more complex layers across its runtime that expertly combine melody with chunky, chugging, and chaotic heaviness too. It’s a head banger with feeling. Whereas Revenge in Carnage is just a head banger. As well as sounding heavier than ever here, the layering of clean vocals over harsh ones, makes for a unique listen here. The chunky methodical instrumental approach works well alongside the varied vocals, but perhaps the most startling moment is the last minute of cinematic melody and clean singing. Unexpected, but potent.

That’s the head turning stuff, expertly delivered.

Showcasing haunting vocals and lyrics that cut through, Nothing Like You and Moments I Regret are both heart-wrenching efforts that mature in savage fashion. They are intoxicating listens, from a melodic standpoint. Whereas Surrender Everything and Empty the Chamber are invigorating for their hostile and harsh approach. A pair of tracks that Dying Wish keep short and sharp.

It’s clear that Dying Wish didn’t overthink themselves here. Instead, they seem to have focused on where their strengths lie and then sought to tweak and twist those elements into a darker, but vibrant, heavy soundscape. The result is a beast of a record that lingers long afterwards, especially when we get such potent anthems as Heaven Departs, and the title track to wrap things up.

Dying Wish – Flesh Stays Together Track Listing:

1. I Don’t Belong Anywhere
2. A Curse Upon Iron
3. I’ll Know You’re Not Around
4. Revenge In Carnage
5. Nothing Like You
6. Surrender Everything
7. Moments I Regret
8. Empty The Chamber
9. Heaven Departs
10. Flesh Stays Together

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