Traditionally, the phrase “corporal mortification,” literally translated as “putting the flesh to death,” refers to self-flagellation as spiritual penance. However, given song titles such as “Force-Fed Family Remains,” it’s safe to assume Seattle’s Corporal Mortification would rather lash others for pleasure than suffer for saintly ends. However, Francisco Gamboa puts himself through a torturous blast-beat regimen, his rapid-fire percussion sprinting far ahead of the sinister riffs. Ian Salish carefully enunciates phrases such as “sever the arteries,” alternating between guttural growls and serpentine hisses as the backdrops (fuzzily melodic variations on black and death metal) dictate. Guitarist Drew Kanenwisher announced his impending departure in April, but he’s still gigging with the group until they find a replacement. Fledgling ax men can use last year’s brutal debut disc With Black Wings They Rise for practice, playing close attention to intricate passages such as the labyrinthine harmony that opens “As Vultures Devour.” But they’d better make sure theyve nailed, say, Nailgun Crucifixion before they dare to audition, because bands whose very names promise punishment don’t suffer mistakes lightly.
Mon., Jan. 5, 9:30 p.m., 2009
