200 Stab Wounds is a rising death metal band from Cleveland, gaining attention for their brutal sound and intense performances. Their sophomore album, Manual Manic Procedures, released on June 28, 2024, via Metal Blade Records, showcases their raw, visceral approach to the genre, solidifying their place in the modern death metal scene.

Background

200 Stab Wounds, hailing from Cleveland, emerged in 2020 with a brutal, unapologetic death metal sound. Their name reflects the violent, visceral nature of their music. Formed by a group of passionate musicians, the band quickly gained attention for their raw energy and relentless style. Signing with Metal Blade Records, they solidified their place in the modern death metal scene, leading to the release of their sophomore album, Manual Manic Procedures, on June 28, 2024. Their dynamic sound and lyrical themes of gore and chaos have resonated with fans, establishing them as a formidable force in the genre.

Rise to Fame

200 Stab Wounds rapidly gained recognition after their debut EP in 2020, drawing attention from fans and critics alike. Their raw, unfiltered death metal style and intense live performances quickly set them apart. Partnering with Metal Blade Records for their sophomore album, Manual Manic Procedures, further accelerated their rise, cementing their reputation as a prominent act in the modern death metal scene.

Manual Manic Procedures Album

Manual Manic Procedures, released on June 28, 2024, via Metal Blade Records, is 200 Stab Wounds’ sophomore album, showcasing their brutal death metal prowess. Available on vinyl, it highlights the band’s raw intensity and technical precision, making it a standout release in the genre.

Track Listing

The album Manual Manic Procedures features nine intense tracks: Hands of Eternity, Gross Abuse, Manual Manic Procedures, Release the Stench, Led to the Chamber / Liquified, Flesh from Within, Defiled Gestation, Ride the Flatline (feat. Jami Morgan of Code Orange), and Parricide. This tracklist showcases the band’s relentless brutality and technical precision, delivering a cohesive yet devastating listening experience.

Concept and Themes

Manual Manic Procedures delves into themes of violence, bodily mutilation, and existential dread, reflecting the band’s brutal approach. Tracks like Hands of Eternity and Ride the Flatline explore dark, visceral narratives, while the album’s title hints at a chaotic, almost surgical precision in its sonic assault. The record’s conceptual flow creates an immersive, unrelenting experience, showcasing 200 Stab Wounds’ mastery of raw, technical death metal.

Musical Style and Influences

200 Stab Wounds blends brutal, technical death metal with raw aggression, creating a visceral, unrelenting sound. Their style draws from classic and modern influences, delivering sheer intensity.

Death Metal Elements

200 Stab Wounds embodies a brutal, technical approach to death metal, with relentless blast beats, complex riffs, and growling vocals. Their sound is raw and unfiltered, capturing the intensity of the genre while maintaining a modern edge. The band’s ability to balance aggression with precision has solidified their reputation as a formidable act in the death metal scene.

Lyrical Content

The lyrical themes of 200 Stab Wounds are dark and violent, reflecting a brutal imagery of death, mutilation, and suffering. Their songs often delve into themes of gore and existential despair, using vivid descriptions to paint a macabre narrative. This raw and unapologetic approach to lyrics aligns with the aggressive nature of their music, creating a cohesive and intense listening experience.

Album Release

Manual Manic Procedures was officially released on June 28, 2024, via Metal Blade Records, marking a significant milestone for 200 Stab Wounds in the death metal scene.

Release Date

The album Manual Manic Procedures was officially released on June 28, 2024, through Metal Blade Records. This highly anticipated release marked a significant milestone for the band, offering fans a brutal yet refined death metal experience. The album dropped on CD, vinyl, and digital platforms, catering to both physical and digital music enthusiasts. It quickly gained attention for its raw intensity and technical prowess, solidifying the band’s reputation in the death metal scene.

Pre-release Promotions

Leading up to the album’s release, 200 Stab Wounds engaged in strategic promotions, including the release of new tracks, music videos, and trailers. Fans could access these on metalblade.com, where pre-orders for the album and exclusive merch bundles were available. Social media teasers and behind-the-scenes content also built anticipation, while the band announced a tour with Dying Fetus, further exciting their growing fanbase.

Vinyl Edition

Manual Manic Procedures was released on vinyl, featuring exclusive colors and limited editions. Pre-orders were available through Metal Blade’s US and EU stores, as well as the band’s official merch store.

Vinyl Specifics

The vinyl edition of Manual Manic Procedures includes multiple color variants, such as black and exclusive limited editions. Each variant is carefully pressed to ensure high-quality sound. Fans can purchase these directly from Metal Blade’s US and EU stores, as well as the band’s official merchandise platform, making it a sought-after collector’s item for vinyl enthusiasts and fans alike.

Collectibility

The vinyl edition of Manual Manic Procedures is highly sought after by collectors, especially due to its limited color variants and exclusive artwork. Its status as a sophomore release from a rising band enhances its value, making it a must-have for both fans and vinyl enthusiasts. The album’s growing popularity ensures its collectibility will likely increase over time.

Reception and Reviews

Manual Manic Procedures received widespread acclaim for its relentless brutality and technical precision, solidifying 200 Stab Wounds’ reputation as a formidable force in modern death metal.

Critical Response

Critics praised Manual Manic Procedures for its dynamic playing and increased cohesion, with Steve Buhl’s vocals and guitar tone standing out. The album’s raw, visceral approach was highlighted, showcasing the band’s growth and intensity. Reviewers noted the album’s technical precision and relentless brutality, solidifying 200 Stab Wounds’ position in the death metal scene.

Fan Reactions

Fans have enthusiastically embraced Manual Manic Procedures, praising its relentless brutality and raw energy. The vinyl edition has been particularly popular, with collectors noting its high-quality pressing and artwork. Online forums and social media are filled with admiration for the band’s growth, while the album’s release and subsequent tour with Dying Fetus have further fueled excitement among death metal enthusiasts worldwide.

Tour and Live Performances

200 Stab Wounds embarked on a high-energy tour following the release of Manual Manic Procedures, delivering visceral live performances that captivated audiences. Their intense stage presence and raw brutality solidified their reputation as a formidable act in death metal.

Tour Dates

200 Stab Wounds hit the road with Dying Fetus, launching their tour in mid-2024. The trek featured stops in major US and Canadian cities, showcasing their relentless energy. Fans witnessed brutal performances, solidifying the band’s reputation for delivering unforgettable live shows. The tour highlighted tracks from Manual Manic Procedures, further cementing their presence in the death metal scene.

Live Impact

200 Stab Wounds’ live performances are a testament to their ferocity and precision. Their shows deliver relentless brutality, captivating audiences with raw energy and technical prowess. The band’s stage presence commands attention, creating an immersive experience for fans. Their ability to translate the album’s intensity live has solidified their reputation as a formidable act in the death metal scene, leaving a lasting impression on every venue they play.

Band Members and Roles

200 Stab Wounds features Steve Buhls on vocals and guitar, with other members on guitars, bass, and drums. Their roles blend seamlessly, creating cohesive death metal.

Current Members

Steve Buhls leads as vocalist and guitarist, delivering brutal vocals and signature guitar tones. The band’s lineup, hailing from Cleveland, collaborates tightly, contributing to their raw, dynamic sound and cohesive death metal execution, as showcased in Manual Manic Procedures.

Contributions

Steve Buhls’ intense vocals and guitar work define the band’s brutal sound, while the rhythm section delivers relentless, pummeling beats. Each member’s technical prowess and raw energy contribute to the album’s visceral impact, showcasing their collaborative strength in crafting unrelenting death metal tracks like those on Manual Manic Procedures.

Discography

200 Stab Wounds’ discography includes their debut EP and the sophomore album Manual Manic Procedures, released on June 28, 2024, via Metal Blade Records, showcasing their brutal evolution.

Previous Work

200 Stab Wounds emerged with their debut EP in 2020, quickly gaining attention for their brutal and visceral sound. This initial release showcased their raw, unapologetic approach to death metal, setting the stage for their sophomore album, Manual Manic Procedures; Their early work laid the foundation for their relentless style, drawing fans to their intense and uncompromising music.

Future Projects

Following the success of Manual Manic Procedures, 200 Stab Wounds is expected to continue their relentless approach to death metal. With plans for extensive touring, including shows with prominent acts like Dying Fetus, the band aims to further solidify their presence in the metal scene. New music and collaborations are also anticipated, building on the momentum of their critically acclaimed sophomore album.

Cultural Impact

200 Stab Wounds is part of a resurgence in death metal, inspiring younger fans and revitalizing interest in the genre with their raw, unapologetic sound and energetic performances.

Influence on Scene

200 Stab Wounds has become a key figure in the resurgence of death metal, alongside bands like Sanguisugabogg and Undeath. Their raw, unapologetic sound and energetic performances are revitalizing the genre, attracting both longtime fans and new listeners. The band’s ability to blend brutality with technical precision has set them apart, making them a standout act in the modern death metal landscape and inspiring younger bands to follow suit.

Fan Community

200 Stab Wounds has cultivated a passionate fan base, particularly among death metal enthusiasts. Their raw, unfiltered sound resonates deeply, creating a strong connection with listeners. The band’s active engagement on social media and electrifying live performances have fostered a loyal community. Fans eagerly anticipate their releases, with the vinyl edition of Manual Manic Procedures becoming a sought-after collector’s item, further solidifying their bond with supporters.

Challenges and Controversies

200 Stab Wounds faced lyrical controversies due to their graphic content, sparking debates among fans and critics. The album’s initial AOTY listing was swiftly removed, raising questions about its reception.

Industry Challenges

200 Stab Wounds faced challenges in balancing their raw, visceral sound with commercial expectations. Their album Manual Manic Procedures briefly appeared on the AOTY main page but was quickly overshadowed, highlighting struggles with maintaining visibility in a competitive scene. Despite signing with Metal Blade Records, the band navigates a saturated death metal market, aiming to stand out while staying true to their brutal roots.

Lyrical Controversies

The graphic and violent nature of 200 Stab Wounds’ lyrics has sparked debate. Tracks like “Release the Stench” and “Led to the Chamber / Liquified” feature explicit, gruesome imagery, mirroring the band’s name. While some fans praise the unflinching brutality as authentic to death metal’s roots, others criticize the overt gore as excessive. This lyrical approach has polarized opinions, cementing the band’s controversial reputation in the scene.

Legacy and Future

200 Stab Wounds is carving a lasting impact in death metal with their relentless brutality. Their future projects promise to push boundaries, solidifying their influence in the genre.

Legacy

200 Stab Wounds has quickly become a pivotal force in modern death metal, revitalizing interest in the genre with their raw, unrelenting sound. Their sophomore album, Manual Manic Procedures, has solidified their reputation as a band that embodies both brutality and technical prowess, leaving a lasting mark on the death metal scene and inspiring a new wave of extreme music enthusiasts.

Future Direction

200 Stab Wounds is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of death metal with their raw, aggressive sound. Following the success of Manual Manic Procedures, the band is expected to release new material, further solidifying their influence in the metal scene. Their future projects promise to maintain the visceral intensity fans have come to expect, ensuring their legacy as a driving force in modern extreme music.

200 Stab Wounds’ Manual Manic Procedures stands as a testament to their relentless innovation in death metal, leaving a lasting mark on the genre’s evolution.

200 Stab Wounds’ Manual Manic Procedures vinyl edition, released on June 28, 2024, via Metal Blade Records, captures the band’s brutal death metal essence. Limited to exclusive colors like “Blood Red” and “Toxic Waste” swirl, the vinyl enhances collectibility. The album’s dynamic playing and cohesive sound, paired with striking artwork by Adam Miyamoto, make it a must-have for vinyl collectors and death metal enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

200 Stab Wounds’ Manual Manic Procedures vinyl stands as a testament to their relentless energy and sonic brutality. With its striking artwork and exclusive color variants, the vinyl edition is a collector’s gem. The album’s raw intensity and cohesive execution solidify the band’s position in modern death metal, making it a must-listen—and must-own—for fans seeking unbridled aggression and authenticity in their music.

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