The Greek mythical legend of Sisyphus is well known and an ever more accurate depiction of reality. As he still attempts to push his rock up a hill in an act of utter futility, on the cover art of the latest pummelling from Dutch grindcore outfit Suffering Quota, the introduction of a whole bundle of snakes just adds to poor old Sisyphus’ pains.
The art is a perfect match for the 18 minutes of hardcore infused hefty riff manufacture, played at crust meets grindcore speeds, complete with hoarse and caustic vocals – all taking as much from the old Napalm manual as it does from Wormrot or Pig Destroyer.
The theme is maintained as utter skull smashers ‘Strain’, ‘Cruel Rock’ and ‘Overpowering Weight’ open proceedings, but it’s not until you reach tracks like ‘Roll Back Down’, ‘Again’ and ‘Torment’ that this four piece from Groningen hit their full velocity and successfully suck every last air molecule from the room.
‘Sisyphean Life’ packs a colossal amount into its brief existence. Riffs reign down, scum rises up and the two meet in a vitriolic expulsion of gargantuan force. True grindcore albums, such as this, are difficult to review in any balanced manner – other than assessing how hard they smack you between the eyes. This one smacks hard, and will be an absolute contender for knocking your glasses clean off. Go listen and, like the rest of us, keep pushing that damn rock up this goddamn hill.
Best Paired With: A solid pair of boots, the telephone number for a crane company, and a bloody good sense of humour.
Suffering Quota – Sisyphean Life is out now on 7 Degrees/Tartarus records.
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