I went into Hideous Aftermath with no history with Sanguisugabogg. I knew their name was hard to pronounce (in fact, I still don’t know how to), and I’d heard they were known for being shocking. I like heavy music, but I’ve never been interested in bands that lean too far into obscene or gore-filled lyrics. With that in mind, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
What I found was a band that is undeniably heavy and locked in. The guitars are thick, the drums are relentless, and the production gives everything real punch. Even though the music is crushing, it never feels sloppy. There’s a clear focus here, like the band wanted to show they can play brutal death metal at a high level.
I did notice that the lyrical themes still exist in a world of violence and gore. That’s part of who this band is, and for me, it’s not the kind of thing I connect with. That said, there are moments where the songs touch on more serious ideas—violence in real life, religion, and other darker topics. Those parts caught my attention and made me think the band has more to say than just shock value.
The final track, “Paid in Flesh,” stood out the most. It slows down into something almost doom-like and shows a different side of the band. It was a reminder that even groups known for extreme music can write with depth and emotion.
Overall, I’m not the target listener for this band due to their lyrical approach. But I can still respect what they’ve created with Hideous Aftermath. For fans of heavy music who want unrelenting riffs, pounding drums, and a band fully committed to their sound, this record will deliver. It convinced me that Sanguisugabogg are more than just shock—they’re skilled musicians making serious death metal.
