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Visualizzazione post con etichetta Brutal Death. Mostra tutti i post
Visualizzazione post con etichetta Brutal Death. Mostra tutti i post

lunedì 11 marzo 2024

Skeletal Remains - Fragments of the Ageless

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death Metal
Heavily DEATH and OBITUARY influence like the previous recordings ('Devouring Mortality' & 'The Entombment of Chaos'), they have more of their own sound to them on this release. The vocals are a little bit different too, less echo and reverb, just a grueling sound. The last two releases have been solid, and this one is definitely another "winner" so to speak. The leads are chaotic, the rhythms are chunk filled, and the recording quality is top-notch. These guys put together one creative platter for us death metal fans to incorporate it. Take the last two releases, put them combined into two, and then you have this one ultimately creative. Also features a Hate Eternal cover song entitled "Messiah of Rage."

This release is pretty fast metal all in all and it's tight. This one is definitely a "screamer." They seemed to be on the cutting edge and more mature than the previous two releases. This one is another 45 minutes in length and by no means is it "boring." High energy and great riffs.

I'm not one into lyrics in metal, just as long as the music is good, and the production quality is awesome, then I'm totally locked in. Anyway, the whole bulk of this album is interesting when you pick apart the riffs. Very good musicianship all the way through!

I like the crunch tone guitar sound. And the leads are highly technical and a tad bit of reverb/delay on those navigating through the fretboard. The ultimate quality in sound, and the drums sound great. I dug this whole album, it was an entire masterpiece. Nothing to take away or add to it, the whole album is superb. I caught onto the fact that this album is utterly brutal. They really seem not only to be maturing, but also taking death metal to new heights. I would say that they're constantly maturing. They're taking it a step more brutal each succeeding release. And the guitars are done with ultimate precision! These native Californians sure as hell upped the brutality and are coming into their own, especially on here! (Death8699)


Maledictive Pigs - Bloodshed

BACK IN TIME: recensione gentilmente concessa da Nihil Zine
#PER CHI AMA: Brutal Death
Alla prima occhiata di copertina mi son detto: "...chi cacchio sono questi Maledictive Pigs???" In effetti non avevo mai sentito prima parlare di questa brutal death band teutonica giunta con questo 'Bloodshed' tagliava il traguardo del terzo album (su quattro totali/ndr)! Già, terzo album... devastante terzo album. Questi quattro tedeschi infatti si giostrano molto bene in un'eccellente brutal d'assalto che fonde le sue basi su bands come Deeds Of Flesh, Anasarca, primi Sinister e qualcosa dei primi Krabathor. Il risultato della proposta è interessante, soprattutto perché ben curato dal lato tecnico e sulla produzione, decisamente superiore alla media. Non ci sono pezzi che figurano più di altri, tutto il disco si ascolta piacevolmente senza mai annoiarsi. Maledictive Pigs rules!

sabato 9 marzo 2024

Tomb Mold - The Enduring Spirit

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Techno Death
Canadian giants unleash another top-notch death metal release that's a little bit slower than their competing band Cryptopsy though Tomb Mold is a lot slower in their tempos but still ranked as death metal. These guys are more on the brutal end of the genre. Brutal vocals and guitar work. All is sounding original in their riffs and some of the songs contain clean portions, especially the outro song. It's rather good, however.

The sound quality is good as well. Good mixing and production. Those breaks between the heavy guitar sound is refreshing. So it isn't "brutal" the entire way through, but rather their mixing heavy guitar licks with clean portions. There are some melodic parts too as well as some guitars which are fast and ferocious, the few that there are. This band seems to cover a lot of different portions of metal, but they still hold the death metal label. So that's good! They keep it ever-changing and eye-opening through your cranium.

This is one of a better release of 2023 that has them on the top of the charts, despite the "C" average I'm seeing on here. My rank is above for them. And like the tempos, even though it's somewhat odd to have a death metal band that uses quite a bit of clean guitar. Reminds me a little of the older Opeth, but not exactly. The hoarse vocals to the clean guitars keeps them into a realm of their own. No clean vocals here, deep throat here and guitars that are mostly death metal. And leads that well accompany the music. Quite technical, but pretty well flawless!

I would venture to say that this is a release that's got a variety of good licks in it and brutal vocals. I like the diversity, makes it more interesting and fluctuating. They don't mess around, as with their style, they keep you guessing as for what's going to happen next! Own it! (Death8699)


venerdì 16 febbraio 2024

Dying Fetus - Make Them Beg For Death

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death
Immaculate release, better than 'Wrong One To Fuck With', their previous release. What an onslaught of brutal death metal! The vocals seem to be the same as their predecessor, but the riffs are a lot better this time around. These guys know what they're doing, a heavier yet technical release yet again. But it seems like they put more time in writing this one. Some people shy away from this band for whatever reason, but in my opinion, if you like death metal, this one is no one to fuck with! The technicality is there, but the rhythms are tight, making this release even more intriguing than the previous album. They just are a notch up from that one, and you'll hear it if you compare the previous to this one.

They take off from their predecessor, only the songwriting (to me) is better. The riffs stick out the most and (of course) the burly vocals. They fluctuate and there are two members that are trader off in this department. I feel like there's more emphasis on the music rather than the vocals.

I would classify them to be not only brutal death/grindcore but also technical death metal, which makes them very diverse. I liked this one from start to finish. And I'm showing support for the band by purchasing the CD. The vocals go well with the music because you have that heavy-duty sound of the axe and burly voice along with it. It's uncompromising death metal mostly, despite what I said previous and just to generalize. The guitars are immaculate. This album is intense the whole way through it, and they even put in some melodic guitar riffs alongside the brutal intent. There's really nothing that I would change here, even the production quality was quite good!

Lead guitars were good as well! But mostly, I like the rhythms with the vocals. It's quite immaculate on how they chose to proceed in this recording. All the songs are good, you can just take a listen if you attempt to dispute me over this. Amazing metal quality from start to finish! (Death8699)


giovedì 1 febbraio 2024

Suffocation - Hymns From The Apocrypha

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Techno Death
This album has elements to it that make it pretty epic, though it's undoubtedly not like their catchiness of their earlier work. The intensity is still there though and the technicality of it all though the leads were somewhat sloppy. The intensity is high throughout, even the slower tempos, they are BRUTAL.

The vocals and music keep this release pretty underground. I'd have to say that they earned a "75" rating from me. I like what I'm hearing throughout this release. They're surely not compromising, and that hasn't really changed. Upped into the realm of say Dying Fetus in that aspect, the technicality, the double bass kicks, the wicked guitar work, these guys did well here. I cannot make this into a lower rating because it's molded into me in a great release. I still need to order this album because I only have it streaming, and I want to show support to the band. These guys have had an over 30-year career in death metal history in some of the most influential work!

There's no backing out of saying they aren't witnessing back from their roots on this one. That would be false, a definite false statement. This album is in your face brutality and catchy guitars, brutal vocals and a sound production. I really liken this release!

I had to order this, it would be stupid of me to do otherwise and not factor this in to the CD list I may have for top releases of 2023. These guys just tear it up from every different angle! The vocals go really well with the music, they're left unchanging. No screaming really, just low bellowing vox and the guitars that's riffs go hand in hand with the music. The leads are pretty well executed as well! But they're in no way better than the music itself. They just annihilate your speakers!

If you desire to hear some fresh Suffocation in the vein of the old era, tune in to this because it's where it's at! Balls out intensity! Get it, today! (Death8699)


venerdì 12 gennaio 2024

Vital Remains - Icons of Evil

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death
It's a toss-up for me, either 'Dechristianize' or this one 'Icons of Evil'. I don't pay attention to anyone else's reviews, so there is no influence on scores or review material latched onto. I think 'Icons of Evil' is a little less raw and I favored it a bit more than the predecessor, it was a little more death metal oriented too. I like a bit of the guitar harmonics as well. Glen sounds like he does on later Deicide releases. A little monotonous but that's alright. It fit well with the music and lyrical topics (since he is a Satanist). I enjoyed the whole album, just didn't key into the lyrics since they're not my cup of tea.

A long album, but that's a little atypical of death metal releases. The average is about 30–45 minutes, this one is over 60 minutes! I thought that it was good, though they spent a while with the songwriting. And I liked the guitars, not so much the leads, just the rhythms and harmonics (like I mentioned). Brutal music, but I thought better than the earlier Vital Remains. Too raw for me, not 'Dechristianize' but their earlier work. Wasn't a big fan of the earlier stuff. They have not released an album since this one, but they're still active. I'm not sure when they're going to come out with new music but this one and 'Dechristianize' I'll settle with.

The production was top-notch I believe thanks to Erik Rutan who's now in Cannibal Corpse replacing Pat O'Brien. I'm not sure if there are any original members left of the original band. They've gone through so many line-up changes! And even though they're continuing on the Satanic route sort of death metal they could sure put out something of the "newer" sound for the band. We'll have to wait and see. I don't think Glen is going to do any more guest lead vocals since he's still tied up with Deicide. But I'll be watching for that, and he did a great job filling in with the time that he had with the band.

I had to order these CDs from eBay ('Dechristianize' and 'Icons of Evil'). They (to me) were worth ordering. Even if it is the only two that I'll ever own of the band. Don't expect anything utter than brutal death metal with a tinge of melodic work from those albums and this one even more brutal. Both 'Dechristianize' and 'Icons of Evil' are some of my favorite death metal albums of all time. I'm glad that I took the time to wait and see how they were on Spotify before purchasing both. I collect CD's so these two are greatly precious to me. Let's just not get into the lyrical concepts! Long live Vital Remains! (Death8699)


(Century Media/Osmose Productions - 2007/2022)
Score: 80

https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/icons-of-evil

venerdì 29 dicembre 2023

Suffocation - Breeding The Spawn

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal/Techno Death
Brutal onslaught of death metal galore. This might be one of their best releases in their entire discography! They made some really original, unrelenting and pivotal songs ever. I cannot recall a Suffocation album being this likable. They really know what they're doing and they just did it, ABSOLUTELY! These guys knew how to pretty much invent brutal/technical death metal being an act of just enormous influence. Too many bands in the genre(s). They had some great vocals as well, it's not just the perfection in music, but yes the vocals are simply spell-binding. I can't recall listening to a death metal band like this and really liking the vocals.

The sound quality isn't the greatest though, otherwise this would be a top rating album. But it was way back when it was hard to get albums that were well produced. I think I'm right in saying that. These guys not only tore it up here but the music was mesmerizing as well. Hardcore death metal galore. This album is one that's never to be duplicated. Their debut might've been a bit more likable but both are simply amazing. I like the riffs on here a lot of tremolo picking and down-picking as well! These guys know exactly how to construct songs that are just original as all hell. They just wipe out the competition!

The sound quality, as I said, wasn't the greatest of a recording production wise but it's still admirable. The music on here is just blazing! I like what they did here but, if the recording was more solid, then I would've given this a 100%. Great band, album and rupturing genre. They know what to do music wise and they also had great vocals. Only a few things that I'd change on here. But everything else as it was phenomenal. They did the genre justice in regard to setting the tone to the genre. And just talent as well as passion here.

I know the brigade of streaming music probably has this on Spotify and YouTube, but I urge you to get the CD. I was able to pick it up at a local record store (yes those still exist!). So it's up to you to support the music community and the band themselves. You don't get the same effect as would be doing as getting a physical copy to the album. It's worth it! Sad for all of you that don't even have a CD player! It's a great album and this band is still surviving to this day! Show some respect for the music community and purchase this CD!! I doubt you will dislike it! Own it, today! (Death8699)


(Roadrunner/Listenable Records - 1993/2023)
Score: 85

https://www.suffocationofficial.com/

giovedì 7 dicembre 2023

Cannibal Corpse - The Wretched Spawn

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death
What a BLAST of Cannibal Corpse tearing apart your speakers. I've never before listened to this album, nor have I ever owned it then gotten rid of it. It's staying in my collection! All-Star lineup featuring Jack, Pat, Alex, Corpsegrinder and Paul. This is one of their better line-ups though Rob and Eric are in the slot of guitar duties. Sounds like they're in B-flat tuning and have that ultra thick sound on the axe's. Corpsegrinder has range on here, especially with the screams! The music went well along with the vocals. Everything seemed to fit into place on this one. No complaints really, just Jack has never really been strong on his lead playing.

I thought the songs were well written musically. Just never been into the gore lyrics, I tend to focus on the music as well as the sound of the vocals. The drums are usually solid, no complaints there. The production was top-notch, it really does sound great. These guys did good on here, though I feel that there's a tinge of the past, then paves the modern way Cannibal sounds. The riffs just kick ass here, wholeheartedly. Corpsegrinder is better than Barnes ever was! That's my opinion at least, the guitars and drums just favor the way Corpsegrinder conducts his Barnes had no range.

As I've mentioned, the sound quality or production it was top-notch! The music was well mixed and everything was woven in smoothly. This is one of my favorite Cannibal releases to date. It's just completely brutal and in your face. The riffs just talk to you so to speak. You hear Jack and Pat rip it up. It was all five of them kicking ass. No holds barred here, these guys are just legends. I'll never favor the lyrics but as long as the music goes, I'll always be a fan. Their latest 'Violence Unimagined' was good though I think this one is tighter. The sound of the guitars and the vocals are better here!

I took a chance since 'Vile' didn't do anything for me and man I was blown away! It's much more convenient to stream this than to get the actual CD. Show support for the band and buy this album. If you don't have a CD player, buy one! I'm that passionate about this album shining through and though! Top 3 of my Cannibal albums this one fits in there. How can I make such a statement? Play this in your car, then you'll hear what I'm talking about. All the songs were good, they were strong the whole album. Beats your eardrums to shreds hailz Cannibal Corpse with this masterpiece! (Death8699)


(Metal Blade/Northeast Steel Industry Records - 2004/2023)
Score: 85

http://www.cannibalcorpse.net/

giovedì 16 novembre 2023

Wrathrone/Necrodium/Spiral Wounds - Back To 90​’​s Old​-​School Death Metal

#PER CHI AMA: Death Old School
E io che pensavo che il death old school fosse ormai morto, quanto di più sbagliato. La Great Dane Records mi sta infatti facendo scoprire un sottobosco estremo che pullula di band cattive e incazzate, spesso non di grande valore a dire il vero, ma che comunque meritano la nostra attenzione e le vostre riflessioni. Quello di oggi è uno split album tra i finlandesi Wrathrone e Necrodium, in compagnia dei sardo-calabresi Spiral Wounds, per una compilation all'insegna di un sound marcescente che richiama alla memoria act del calibro di Dismember, Grave e primi Entombed, almeno nei primi tre pezzi targati Wrathrone. Un vero e proprio ritorno alle origini del male con un riffing che evoca quello delle band svedesi citate, con tanto di growling infernale sopra e assoli super taglienti in coda, per un clichè sicuramente consolidato e che fondamentalmente rinverdisce i fasti di un passato sta andato scomparendo. I nostrani Spiral Wounds si presentano con quattro pezzi, che altro non sono che il loro EP omonimo del 2021, e che evocano in questo caso, il sound primordiale degli At the Gates, con tanto di chitarre ultra taglienti e vocals iper caustiche. A questo aggiungiamo qualche influenza black che permea il mood indiavolato della band che esplicherà al meglio il proprio talento in un brano più equilibrato quale "Uber Feral Winds". Ribadisco, niente di originale da segnalare, ma sicuramente per chi amasse il genere e non conoscesse la band italica, beh si faccia avanti. Con i Necrodium si torna ad un death in stato putrefattivo, questa volta di scuola americana, e penso ai Cannibal Corpse, per gli ultimi quattro pezzi all'insegna della devastazione più totale tra voci demoniache, ritmiche schiacciasassi che trovano anche modo di rallentare, come accade all'inizio di "Compulsive Mutilating Disorder", nel cui riffing ho percepito addirittura un che dei Metallica della primissima ora. Ecco, l'ho scritto, spero non me ne voglia la band finlandese che nel frattempo prosegue la sua carneficina con altri pezzi grondanti tanta rabbia e tonnellate di odio e che vanno a completare una release adatta ai soli nostalgici di un genere che pensavo ormai morto e che invece si conferma ancora vivo e vegeto. (Francesco Scarci)

sabato 4 novembre 2023

Dead Twilight - Fall of Humanity

#PER CHI AMA: Brutal Death
Quanto ascoltato nel devastante incipit di "I Hate", mi ha ricordato alcune cose dei Nocturnus che erano a loro volta mutuate dai Morbid Angel, vista la militanza del buon Mike Browning nella band di Tampa. Tuttavia non ci troviamo nè in Florida, nè negli Stati Uniti, visto che i Dead Twilight hanno origini siciliane e 'Fall of Humanity' rappresenta il loro terzo lavoro. Trattasi di un disco votato al brutal death di stampo americano in grado di annichilirci, grazie a dio, per soli 27 minuti, grazie alle otto brevi tracce qui contenute. Una serie di schiaffoni in faccia propagati da ritmiche death marcescenti, vocals cosi gutturali che ho fatto quasi fatica a identificarle (e non sto parlando di testi). Poi per il resto, è un continuo martellare ritmico che talvolta trova una pausa in un qualche bridge, come accade ad esempio a metà di "Rage from the Dead". Le influenze, oltre a quelle citate in apertura, potrebbero convogliare i nostri verso i lidi di Malevolent Creation o Deicide, altre due band che devono aver contribuito alla formazione stilistica dei fratelli Bellante che formano la band. A chi poi indirizzare l'ascolto di questo disco è molto facile: si raccomanda ai soli consumatori di brutal death e nessun altro, altrimenti rischiereste di lanciare il disco sotto le ruote della vostra macchina. E pensare che anch'io trent'anni fa mi entusiasmavo al rumore di un martello pneumatico e ora invece i miei padiglioni chiedono pietà, un qualcosa che in 'Fall of Humanity' non è assolutamente contemplata. (Francesco Scarci)

venerdì 20 ottobre 2023

Cryptopsy - None So Vile

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death
One word: BRUTAL! This album is unrelenting death metal. I'm not sure what I like more 'Whisper Supremacy' or this one. It's a close call really. I think that both are pretty solid, if not substantial! The music is just all out fast and furious. The album could've been a bit longer but oh well. Lord Worm's vocals are wholly guttural. It makes the album sound heavier than it already is! The music on here is pretty up-tempo the whole way through. And the lead guitar work is solid. I think the rhythms are anything but catastrophic. They just know how to make effective death metal. And technical at that.

I've found this album to be easy to like because the riffs were well thought out and technical. This band paved the way to modern technical acts like Archspire, et al. The leads definitely are spellbinding and the rhythms are ferociously fast! The whole album is pretty much like this! There isn't much let-up though tempos DO CHANGE. It's a mixture of riffs a lot of speed and some down-picking. But all-in-all it's well rounded in its entirety. I'd have to say this is one of my favorite albums of all time! Cryptopsy just knows how to come up with music that's amazingly original and expansive.

Lord Worm fluctuates on here with low-growls and contrast that to other higher pitched screaming. Everything about this release I like. The only thing that I don't is the longevity of it. 32 minutes is too short, but when you have a jacked up guitar player on here dishing out technical riffs it's hard to pan out a long album unless there were more tracks. But suffice to say here that this album deserves an "80" ABSOLUTELY! There are no real flaws to it and everything came together on this. The music, drums, vocals and production quality were all extravagant. Keep playing this one you cannot go wrong!

You might be able to find out about this on YouTube or other streaming sites like Spotify. I went ahead and bought the CD. It is WORTH IT! Uncompromising and unrelenting! An album that just packs a huge punch to your eardrums! Definitely check this out, it's an older release but worth finding out more about it. The production gave it justice and the listener has no real caveats except to get ready to hear spellbinding death metal galore. These guys tear it up, entirely. And their follow-up 'Whisper Supremecy' is almost equally as good, if not even better. But Lord Worm isn't on that one. Check this out! (Death8699)


(Wrong Again Record/Hammerheart Records - 1996/2022)
Score: 80

https://cryptopsyofficial.bandcamp.com/album/none-so-vile

lunedì 9 ottobre 2023

Torture Rack - Primeval Onslaught

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death
Talk about brutal death metal, this band has it all. Blast beats, burly vocals, sick guitar riffs and a great production. They don’t let up on the brutality factor either. The riffs are insane. I thoroughly enjoyed this less than 30 minute abomination! I’m not sure about their older material but this one really hits home! Always good to hear some from brutal death metal in the vein of say Suffocation. No holds barred here!

The vocals mix well with the music and the blast beating galore is rampant. This album fluctuates between fast riffs to laid back sort of brutality. The leads are insane and the music is unrelenting. What a great album! I would urge you to buy the CD and show support for the band! They really hit home with their music. The vocals can be insane at times. Really a lot of screaming mixed with deep throat galore. They have it all.

I think this is one of the better releases in 2023 where death metal is concerned. Yes, it is a short release but the music and vocals make it out to be a successful conglomerate of noise terror! It seems as though the leads are pretty successful on here fast and furious. The vocals vary between deep throat to screaming heavily. And the music keeps up with this strain of extreme metal. I like how they change it up all the time. 

They definitely earned a “75” for this album. It’s totally in the vein of Suffocation and Suture. There’s a somewhat strong resemblance to those bands. They just don’t seem to let up in intensity. I thoroughly enjoyed this and the sound quality hit home with me. The mixing did them well and their unique blasting alongside slower tempos did them well too! I think that this one is going to be one of the top notch performance this year. The fact that they were able to weave in sounds so sorrel they showed what the scene can produce in terms of these less well known bands. Own it! (Death8699)


giovedì 5 ottobre 2023

Purulent - Patología Grotesca

BACK IN TIME: recensione gentilmente concessa da Nihil Zine
#PER CHI AMA: Brutal Death/Grind
Brutal death dalla Colombia. E si sa che i colombiani non scherzano... Fra chitarre dissonanti, a tratti piuttosto fastidiose, ruggiti e grida isteriche (il binomio growls-scremings è diventato ormai un luogo comune), in questo album si sfiora la follia vera e propria: ascoltare per credere la traccia numero sei, "Interlutium". La registrazione è dignitosa ma non eccelsa; siamo di fronte a un prodotto per certi aspetti simile a quello dei Purgatory, rozzo e feroce. Con il titolo che si ritrova, è logico che il cd verta sulle tematiche autoptiche rese "popolari" dai primi Carcass. Non mancano ovviamente - e come potrebbero? - escursioni nei territori della necrofilia ("Sublimacion Necrofilica") e del cannibalismo ("Fervor Antropofago"). Mirabile il titolo, ma solo il titolo, dell'ultima canzone: "Carne Inerte Nauseabunda". Signori, il pranzo è servito.

lunedì 25 settembre 2023

Katafalk - Storm Of The Horde

BACK IN TIME: recensione gentilmente concessa da Nihil Zine
#PER CHI AMA: Brutal Death
Certo che il nome Katafalk in italiano non suona un granchè bene e neanche un titolo come 'Storm of the Horde' non è da meno. Sono sincero: mi sono avvicinato a questa release con timore, ma allo stesso tempo con curiosità, conoscendo appieno l’assoluta qualità delle releases della Cold Blood Industries, label di assoluto valore e di innegabile gusto in ambito Brutal-Death-Metal. La biografia parlava di una band brutal con influenze thrash e black metal, e l’astio continuava a crescere. Inserisco il CD nello stereo, premo il tasto play e quello che ne viene fuori è un olocausto brutal-death senza compromessi! AAARRRGGGHHH!!!!! Ma da dove cazzo vengono sti Katafalk? Da Marte??? Mai sentita una band con solo un promo alle spalle, debuttare (e da li sciogliersi in tre anni dopo un altro EP/ndr) con album di tale spessore di violenza, potenza e feeling! Da sempre l’Olanda partorisce bestie disumane in ambito brutal-death, oltre ai grandi Sinister e Howitser, chi non potrebbe ricordarsi di God Dethroned, Centurian o dei Severe Torture? Bene gente, inserite anche i Katafalk nella vostra lista perché se lo meritano davvero! I nostri cinque fringuelli olandesi sono capaci di fondere molto bene (in questo li associo ai grandiosi danesi Iniquity!) linee melodiche europee con il classico stile muro di suono brutal americano, ascoltate ad esempio la parte iniziale di “Empty Life” o della title track “Storm Of The Horde”, cazzo, non è facile fondere le parti in quel modo! Tecnicamente i nostri sono messi benissimo. I due chitarristi sono davvero bravi, ma una lode va in assoluto al batterista, una delle migliori macchine da guerra mai sentite in circolazione, capace di confrontarsi sicuramente con i colossi di oltreoceano, una furia credetemi!

Cryptopsy - As Gomorrah Burns

http://www.secret-face.com/
#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Techno Death
I feel like this album was treated rather poorly among critics yet some actually had some decent ratings. Where 'Whisper Supremacy' left off this one was the other half of it (to me). It was only another 30+ minutes but it raped the eardrums like its predecessor. I really enjoyed it and gave the artist credit by buying the CD. Any little bit helps, right? In this modern age of streaming albums, artists are suffering. 'As Gomorrah Burns' was like blasting beats behind the set and lethal guitar pieces. Songs didn't overlap, they kept the intensity high and a lot of the guitar harmonics were noteworthy. Definitely worth checking out if extreme death metal is to your liking.

The vocals were a little different, mainly they were two (it sounded like) contributors so in that respect a little different then 'Whisper...' But it sure as hell went along nicely to this onslaught of a recording. They didn't let up in intensity. I liked that about the album.

What kept me interested in the album was not just the intensity, but the guitars, the vocals and the overall sound. I thought that the way there were tempo changes often again in retrospect like 'Whisper...' too! The crunch guitars sounded killer. The distortion they used, that is. The drums kept alongside the guitars quite well. These guys built a concept into what is meant by "extreme." To look at this release in a negative fashion is not fair in an overall analysis. Because what you have here is top death metal music in an abhorrent sickness. They just toppled your speakers with noise that was in the vein of other extreme acts such as newer Exhumed, et al.

The pace just never wants to let up on here. Good production quality, too. I especially enjoyed the guitars. I felt like they just took over everything tempos, leads, distortion, and harmonics. One thing that struck me was the difference in the voice category. As discussed previously, both interchanging these low bello growls with screaming kept it more interesting to get into. It was one thing that lacked on 'Whisper...'. Well, to me, that is. I feel like this is one of the top albums in 2023. It has so much substance. It blew me away. Don't just download it, buy it. Show the death metal community that you're still supporting the scene. Those of you that got rid of your CD player, well, I don't know what to tell you then. Just give it a listen to in some form! (Death8699)


lunedì 4 settembre 2023

Embodied Torment - Archaic Bloodshed

#PER CHI AMA: Brutal Death
Voglia di un frullato di budelle? Non temete, ve lo servono gli Embodied Torment, quartetto di Sacramento che in questa strana estate, non aveva di meglio da fare che preparare un estratto di violenza e brutalità. Si, perchè ‘Archaic Bloodshed’ sarà in grado di triturarvi le ossa e trapanarvi il cervello con quel suo concentrato di brutal death marcescente che sarà inoculato nelle vostre orecchie. Slam brutal death deflagrato nei vostri culi, con una voglia malsana di farci del male fisico oltrechè mentale, anche laddove in “Deconsecration of the Monolith”, i quattro gringos abbandonano le ritmiche al fulmicotone per aprirsi ad un arpeggio inconsueto per una band dedita a queste sonorità. E qui scatta il mezzo punto in più perchè dopo che i quattro californiani mi hanno stritolato le palle nella loro morsa mortale, si confermano anche bravi nell'infilarmi la carotina (sempre là dove non batte il sole) per mettermi più tranquillo. E “Grasping Salvation” continua la sua opera di annichilimento totale tra suoni cacofonici, versi animaleschi, riffoni death, schegge grind, putrescenti atmosfere, splendidi e ubriacanti solo, iperbolici blast-beat ed una tecnica mirabolante che non può che lasciarvi a bocca aperta e pure senza fiato. La devastazione trova il suo compimento finale in “Tongue of Iron”, in una distesa ritmica senza freni che stupisce solo per un’improvvisa frenata di mezzo secondo, per poi ripartire di nuovo di slancio in una vorticosa sarabanda di chitarre che rallenterà a metà brano, quando ormai è troppo tardi ed ogni singolo neurone del nostro cervello, è ormai completamente disintegrato. (Francesco Scarci)

mercoledì 7 giugno 2023

Underhate - Defleshed To Build The Net

BACK IN TIME: recensione gentilmente concessa da Nihil Zine
#PER CHI AMA: Brutal Death
Brutal death che spacca di brutto, ben suonato e, soprattutto, che cerca una via personale alla truculenza sonora. Va subito detto che oltre alle influenze classiche (Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation) e moderne (Nile su tutti) del genere specifico, i nostri lasciano trasparire la loro dedizione ad altri modelli quali il grind ma più di ogni altro quello dei maestri Death, il cui influsso s'insinua in varie parti della demo. Svetta a mio avviso una mostruosa prova del lead vocalist (ben al di sopra del piatto grufolare di molti altri), che grazie anche ai backing-conati del chitarrista (peraltro davvero bravo) tesse linee vocali originali ed aggressive. Grandiosa (anche nel titolo) la seconda traccia "Net Human Totem", cosi come pure "Marburg’s Advent". Altro pregio del demo sta nei testi che, partendo comunque da suggestioni tipicamente brutal, riescono ad evitarci il solito polpettone da macelleria. Se ancora non vi siete convinti a cercarvi gli Underhate, sappiate che il demo dura la bellezza di 42 minuti (!!!!), alla faccia delle etichette che ci spacciano per full-length (con il relativo prezzo) dischetti da 26 o 27 minuti!

martedì 16 maggio 2023

Cannibal Corpse - Kill

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death
Ferocious and unrelenting this is a MONUMENT of death metal and a boon to Cannibal Corpse's discography. Even though this is 15+ years old, it's still popular among my death metal choices when feeling I need brutal. The guitars are chunky and thick, just what the meat holder's in their cast iron brains in belting out amazing/metamorphosis style metal. I was surprised it took a while before I noticed more/less of this. So here now is it's justice! It's hit-or-miss when it comes to Corpse but they've managed to put out some good LP's following this one. Pat O'Brien is no longer with the band, but I still think they're making monstrous material.

Here, Corpsegrinder shows us again the diversity in his vocals from guttural to screaming. It was amazing his story in metal history. He was the guy who didn't want to do work in classes just sing in a band. Well, he found it and they found him a good replacement for Chris Barnes. Barnes should be edging retirement after some poor Six Feet Under releases while Corpsegrinder continues to belt it out! He does so quite unbelievably. And Corpse still has a long life left enter Eric Rutan on rhythm/lead guitars. Though the new one doesn't pack as much of a punch than this one does. Hard to surpass this release!

The production quality is quite good and that being said the music is justified in the guitars enter everything else. I must be a guitar player but it's not what I notice everything in a recording. The music on here is just devastating! They put together a lot of quality riffs that at times are hard to grasp probably because they're in B-flat tuning. I surmount that both guitarists Rob and Pat worked equally on designing sick riffs to this release. The good thing about this is that everything fit together nicely to some brutal death metal! Everything seemed to be great here and they as a band work well together plus I'm sure it's a big loss to lose Pat.

I bought this a while ago, just thought I'd write about it now since it's still getting air-time in my stereo. They don't seem to disappoint here, my favorite things about this one are the guitars and vocals. Their latest 'Violence Unimagined' is tight too but not as thick as the chunky guitar is here. Nor are the leads as good. This is one of my favorite Corpse releases aside from the early stuff ('Butchered At Birth' & 'Tomb of the Mutilated'). I'd have to say that 'Torture' and 'A Skeletal Domain' are my favorites as well. 'Kill' is among the many fine releases from and unrelenting and brutal group CANNIBAL CORPSE is! Check this out! (Death8699)


(Metal Blade Records/Daymare Recordings - 2006/2021)
Score: 80

https://www.facebook.com/cannibalcorpse

venerdì 5 maggio 2023

Yattering - Human’s Pain

BACK IN TIME: recensione gentilmente concessa da Nihil Zine
#PER CHI AMA: Grind/Brutal Death
Fortunatamente la ripubblicazione del primo loro album, che fu apprezzata solo in Polonia, sarebbe stata solo la solita fortissima mazzata sui denti, invece con una cover dei Brutal Truth, una degli Slayer più brutali, e l’inserzione di un’altra bonus track, si rinforza questa dose di violenza. L’album è brutal grind, che aizza anche numerose digressioni di cieca ferocia, ed è in generale schizzato, secco, arido e sgraziato, con una voce straziata ed una cavernosa e profonda, forzata; strilla anche un urlo cupo. Il loro secondo album è più intricato. Questo è una soluzione, senza morbidezze, compatto, di isterie che maneggiano molteplici lame dalla batteria alle chitarre. Gli assoli spezzano la brutalità da riminiscenze thrash, ma più spesso esprimendo senso di disgusto mordace.

(Moonlight Productions/Season of Mist - 1998/2001)
Voto: 70

https://seasonofmistcatalogue.bandcamp.com/album/humans-pain

sabato 29 aprile 2023

Suffocation - Blood Oath

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death
Downright abrasive to the ear lobes! What a masterpiece, I cannot say what a riff that's been played on here that was in an ill place or poorly played. All seemed to fall into place perfectly. Vocals are top-notch as well! They're compliment the dark death metal that goes alongside it. The leads were immaculate, too. I believe this was one of the last LP's that's with Frank Mullen on vocals. I think he did a couple more until he hung it up with Suffocation. What a tragedy, as well. He was one of the driving forces for the band and always had been. Well, hold on tight to these vocals here and embrace the music!

The majority of the music on here is downright brutal riffs. Along with Frank's vocals the music just tears it up. Tempos vary from a blitzkrieg of fury to moderate to slower, but technical riffs. All in all, this is an abomination of soul in the dark feeling of despair. Their earlier material shows more disruption into faster flowing riffs. On here, they pretty much shoot on all fronts of metal. That's what makes this release so likable. You'll find that they flow more freely in the realm of slower riffs with the drums backing up the guitars gruntingly. And the lead guitars are all so very technical in flowing.

Frank leads the way though on this album, he belts out his grunting and the music follows his lead quite solemnly. The band does a great job collectively. Again, it's a slower paced Suffocation release, but it's still magnificent in composition. The sound quality is top notch and you can hear everything pieced together. That's what lacked in their earlier recordings...the production was lacking in good sound but on here it's top notch. Everything seems to flow together and all instruments/vocals share triumphant bits of music throughout. I think this is one of my favorite ones ABSOLUTELY!

I heard this on Spotify first off and decided that I needed the CD itself. That's how highly I esteem this release. It goes from death metal to brutal death metal to doom metal all in one release. There just is a lot of fluctuation on here which makes it so versatile! It's a bit under an hour of great metal! If you think otherwise when you hear this, I would be appalled. This album just dominates through and through. It's a somewhat different Suffocation release in that the production is better but the music is more chargingly dismantled. From every avenue this release topples it all! Check it out! (Death8699)


(Nuclear Blast - 2009)
Score: 85

https://www.facebook.com/suffocation/