Centinex’s ‘Death In Pieces’ is characterized by short, tightly composed, old-school death metal tracks. Its tone is consistent; thrashy, chugging riffs form the essence of the album. The band’s lyrical style is unambiguous, it sticks to the album’s theme of death and murder.

The album’s first track and single “Only Death Remains” is a good example of what the album has to offer. A sample of an ominous-sounding siren gives way to a classically brutal death metal song. The preciseness of the riffs on the song are impressive. There are blast beats throughout the song that underscore its brutality.

This style is maintained throughout the album. The songs build into each other, they don’t seem random or incoherent at any point. Skillful tremolo picking accompanies the rhythm to give the music an unsettling feel. This is best highlighted on “God Ends Here” and “Human Torch”. Halfway through the album is a short instrumental intermezzo called “Pieces”. I like how this track slowly builds up tension as it progresses. It sets up the stage for the latter half of the album.

While the album is cohesive and adheres to its theme, there isn’t any song that truly stands out from the rest. It doesn’t try to be too innovative at what it does. It’s as classic death metal as it gets, and not much more. A seasoned death metal listener might not find it very original.

This might not be a groundbreaking release, but it sure does deliver on good old-fashioned death metal brutality. This is an album that emphasizes aggression in its music. It’s a succinct record that’s free of any gimmick or extra fluff.