I’ve listened to enough technical death metal that I can instantly tell what kind it is just by looking at the cover. In Fleshbore’s case, this is the hyper-fast variety, not unlike Inferi or Demon King. Being unfamiliar with Fleshbore before listening to Painted Paradise, I didn’t have huge expectations, but these up-and-comers have earned themselves a spot on my radar, because this is one hell of a solid sophomore release. This style of technical death metal is something I could listen to every single day, and Fleshbore don’t even reinvent anything on Painted Paradise, instead sticking to the tried-and-trve formula of machine-gun blasts, rapid-fire vocals, and riffs for days. Easily the most impressive part of this well-oiled machine is vocalist Michael O’Hara. Delivering vocals in a fashion that closely resembles Oli Aleron (Archspire), this style of fast, rap-adjacent delivery is extremely tricky to pull off, and while it isn’t perfect, O’Hara pretty much nails it on all tracks.
Guitarwork alternates between ridiculously heavy riffs and blazing solos that create a really fun album to listen to. Bass work on Painted Paradise is also notable, adding the bass solos that have become more of a staple in tech death over the last few years. Painted Paradise is the kind of technical death metal record where Fleshbore have adhered to the philosophy of “more is more”, but have also managed to contain themselves to a crisp, just under forty minute package, which makes diving in for repeat listens all the easier. “Inadequate” is the highlight here, with the main groove-laden galloping riff liable to give you whiplash. It doesn’t hurt that cover, done by Michael Erskine, is one of the best I’ve seen so far in 2025. While I have a really good time with Painted Paradise, I’m not sure of its sticking power – it lacks a bit of that extra oomph to really propel it to being list-worthy. Painted Paradise is a rock-solid album though, and I will absolutely be coming back to it time and again throughout the rest of the year if I just want something fun and simple – and that’s really what metal should be at times. I’m a fiend for the dissonant, atonal stuff as much as the next guy but simplicity (relatively speaking) is just the thing I need at times. Keep Fleshbore on your radar, because the only way they can go from here is up.
