German Brutal Surf/Death Metal band Stillbirth sends up Kelly Slater-esque fake folk in wicked new release

"Get your beachshorts on because it's surftime."

Some days I wake up and think, “You know, I’ve probably seen it all.” I get out of bed, make coffee, let the dog outside, study the news, continuing to think, “Yup, same as yesterday.” Inevitably, though, some twist or turn shatters the illusion. Today, the honors go to Stillbirth.

Now, I am no music historian, but I can’t imagine the “Brutal Surf” genre has ever been mashed with Death Metal but leave it a German quintet to circle that square. Founded in Hagen in 1999, the band wonders, “Are you ready for the total destruction? Stillbirth is coming like a Tsunami and will smash your ears after a few seconds. Nasty Blast beats, heavy grooves and sick slams combined with the stage energy of 10 raging Bulls. Get your beachshorts on because it’s surftime. With a blunt in one Hand navigating through the storm.”

“Get your beachshorts on because it’s surftime” BeachGrit’s new official tagline.

Stillbirth, anyhow, has just released their eighth full-length album, Survival Protocol.

MetalTalk declares, “Brutal it might be, but Survival Protocol is also musically superb, with Stillbirth continuing to build on their past achievements. It is an offering that is sound-wise, as refined as it is devastating, melding Death Metal, Grindcore, Deathcore, Slam Stoner, and even a touch of blues rock, unleashing waves of filthy grooves, blast beats alongside soaring leadwork and more.”

High praise.

The track Baptized in Blood is particularly pleasing, sending up Jack Johnson’s signature sound before utterly smashing it.

In a word, essential.

And you are welcome.