Reviewed by Andy Shaw

Flactorophia was the solo grindcore project of Jose Barragan, founded in Quito, Ecuador. He was signed to Christ Core Records by the former bass player of Australian grindcore band Vomitorial Corpulence and released the album 'Redemption Of The Flesh' in 2006. Tragically, Barragan died two years later in a fire at a local gig venue that also took the lives of 14 others. 10 years on from his death, the album is getting a re-release on new US-based label The Bearded Dragon Productions. This record is like an audio ambush, hitting you with ferocity and intensity and then it's over before you have time to work out what is going on. The eight tracks included are packed into just nine minutes and are consistent in their use of heavy distortion laden guitars, machine-gun drum beats and (with the exception of the closing instrumental) the growling guttural vocal delivery. The production is raw and could have done with being a bit punchier to emphasise the intensity but it is difficult to criticise what was a one-man project produced over 10 years ago without big budgets. There is some structure to the record with the use of spoken word samples to intro a number of tracks and variations to the tempo switching from brutal to all-out-assault. The lyrics are incomprehensible through the otherworldly vocal style, but the focus on God is shown through the samples that introduce tracks like "Regurgitation Demons Outside The Human Flesh" which starts with a passionate prayer ("In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen"). That passion is carried throughout the record and it is important to shine a light on Christians who are creating positive music bringing light to a genre that is so often bleak and dark. Whilst Jose Barragan didn't have the chance to build on this record, it is a fitting tribute to be putting it out to commemorate his contribution to the Christian grindcore scene.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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