Originally published in ‘zine issue #6, 1993

Acheron Rites of the Black Mass
(JLA)
Pretty good death metal, sort of like newer Morgoth. The Satanic lyrics aren’t bad either. The production could be better, but overall a worthwhile release.
(by R. Mason) ■

Aeturnus demo
This sort of a mediocre death metal band. The production’s not bad but everything else is sort of blah. The potential’s there but these songs reek of redundant death metal riffs and cliche formulas. (Poland)
(by R. Mason) ■

Angry Babies Mr. Toyhead
(Constitution Entertainment)
These guys seem to be going for the Scatterbrain type thing: varied musical styles and “funny” lyrics. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. They obviously know what they’re doing, so I guess if this is your thing, pick it up.
(by R. Mason) ■

Armageddon Dead Condemnation
Hyper thrash in the vein of old Kreator and Coroner. Good production also. Worth getting if you’re into this style. (Poland)
(by R. Mason) ■

Asphyx Last One On Earth
(Century Media)
The last release from Asphyx, sadly; the music kills and features a remix of “The Krusher” from the 12″. The production is strong also. This is a godly death metal album with intelligent lyrics from these Hollanders.
(by Editor) ■

Astaroth Drowning in Blood
Do we like stupid death metal bands? No. Do we like production that sounds like it was recorded on a Walkman? No. Do we like this shitty demo? Fuck no. I’d rather be forced to listen to the new Decide. Ugh. $4. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Atrocity Longing for Death
(Roadrunner)
This is the second release from this German deathrash band and it shows a remarkable improvement over the debut. Elements of doom, grind, and death are used to achieve a very dark, atmospheric tone. I’m very impressed.
(by R. Mason) ■

Battalion Demo Tape
This is a mediocre power metal band that sort of sounds like Joey Belladonna singing for early Riot. There’s potential here, but this demo just doesn’t cut it. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Beherit The Oath of Black Blood
(JLA)
This is totally obnoxious, horribly played, badly produced Satanic death/grind, and I like it. This is not for you death metal purists; this is total grind and fucking great. Who says you need talent to play death metal?
(by R. Mason) ■

Benediction Dark is the Season
(Nuclear Blast America)
If you enjoyed the new album then you’ll like this. I’m a bit bored by the vocals as they are generic, monotone death metal, but surely enough, the band still sounds like Benediction. I’d say it’s worth buying.
(by Nick Mertaugh) ■

Biovore Eternal Solitude
A hissily produced four-song tape (because they lost the master copy!) with stale thrash riffs throughout and death metal vocals. The playing is a bit sloppy as well. Unfortunately not very interesting. $2 to Shane. (USA)
(by Editor) ■

Blast Furnace Phallus Does Dallas
Um, how do I put this delicately—? This sucks my ass. Poorly played pseudo-thrash and the most godawful vocals in the known universe. Sounds like a pre-pubescent Pantera. Ugh. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Bleed demo
Death metal? This is death metal? C’mon, guys, compared to this, Lawrence Welk sounds like Entombed! More wimpy death-rash with good production and packaging. Geez. $5. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Brujeria ¡Machetazos!
(Alternative Tentacles)
Este un disco mucho bueno de Brujeria. Muerte, muerte, y muerte. Yo quiero más de Brujeria; “Molestando Niños Muertos” en más bueno! Argh!
(by R. Mason) ■

Brutal Truth Extreme Conditions Demand Extreme Responses
(Relativity/Earache)
Pounding grind from New York. Most of the songs are damn good and very obnoxious. An intense live band as well. Pick up this rough batch of grindcore! Well worth it.
(by Editor) ■

Casbah Demo 1992
Here’s a pretty cool demo of thrash/metal that’s kinda original. The lyrics are hard rockish, but that doesn’t really affect the outcome too much. I’m impressed. (Japan)
(by R. Mason) ■

Cold Steel Freakboy
(JLA)
Solidly played techno-thrash that’s Testament-ish in places. These guys show potential, but there’s definitely room for improvement (mainly in lyrics).
(by R. Mason) ■

---

“Maybe playing Slayer riffs backwards and singing stupid is original, but it sure as hell isn’t good.”

---

Dead World Collusion
(Relapse)
From the looks of their bio, these guys seem to think they’re hot shit. I beg to differ. This is OK doom metal with stupid sound effects. Why these people think they’re so fucking avant-garde is beyond me. Save your money for the new Cathedral.
(by R. Mason) ■

Delusion Autumn Dawn
Kinda creative … “Princess” is definitely the first death metal ballad I’ve ever heard. The singer’s growls get a bit tedious after a while; it’s an unneeded cliche in a band obviously striving to be original. $6. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Demigod Slumber of Sullen Eyes
(Drowned Productions)
This is god! Lots of songs on this heavily played collection of death metal. This Finnish band has catchy riffs and listenable songs! Killer!
(by Editor) ■

Deteriorot Demo ’92
Here’s a solid demo of pretty good death metal. The band is set apart from the rest of the DM babies by the energetic delivery, sort of reminding me of Cannibal Corpse, but not quite as tight. I dig it. $5. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Doom Snake Cult Love, Sorrow, Doom
(JLA)
I really hope this is a joke. These guys sound like a prenatal Cathedral with the stupidest lyrics ever. Overall, pretty bland. A good lesson showing that just because you’re original doesn’t mean you’re good.
(by R. Mason) ■

Dunwich ’92 demo
Decent thrashcore reminiscent of early Vio-Lence. Good production, stupid lyrics. Overall, kind of mediocre. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Eidetic Mirror Passway
Decent techno-thrash, pretty good production, but these vocals gotta go. They’re weak as hell. Fortunately they booted the guy. Wait ’til the next demo to check these guys out. $7 USA, $6 Europe. (Denmark)
(by R. Mason) ■

Excruciation Anno Domini
(JLA)
Yet another mediocre thrash band. The riffs are bland and the vocals sound out of place, thanks somewhat to the lame production. There’s potential, but it’s not fulfilled here.
(by R. Mason) ■

Exempt Ill Health
With a new logo, a new line-up, a new sound, and a new demo, death metal’s Exempt is ready to invade your stereo with its six-song tape. The vocals are on three tracks and remind me of Benediction. These guys deserve your support! (Sweden)
(by Editor) ■

Fear Factory Soul of a New Machine
(Roadrunner)
Yet another contender in the new wave of “alternative metal.” I totally despise this shit. Maybe playing Slayer riffs backwards and singing stupid is original, but it sure as hell isn’t good. Fuck this.
(by R. Mason) ■

Feeble Lies Dreaming of Another Sky
Wow, it’s from Sweden and it doesn’t even sound like Entombed! A great demo of influences ranging from thrash to folk and everything in between. These guys rule, but lose the name. (Sweden)
(by R. Mason) ■

God Forsaken Dismal Gleams of Desolation
(Adipolere)
A truly monstrous effort from the Finnish boys! Lots of doom and old metal influences on this slab of depression. Great production and a few twists, too. $20 CD, $14 LP.
(by Editor) ■

Godflesh Cold World 12”
(Relativity/Earache)
This EP features the title track and three versions of “Nihil.” It’s a bore and a drag, sadly. I think the band went downhill after Slavestate and this is more of the same.
(by Editor) ■

Gorguts The Erosion of Sanity
(Roadrunner)
An improvement over the debut, the album has more experimental parts, interesting lyrics, and has a fresh sound. These Canadian fuckers make up a good death metal band.
(by Editor) ■

Grave You’ll Never See ...
(Century Media)
A lovely array of peaceful harmonies that makes me want to run naked through flowery meadows. A simply scrumptious follow-up to its orgasm-inducing debut, this tasty tapestry of love and joy will delight you again and again.
(by R. Mason) ■

Great Whyte Lyin’ Snake Great Whyte Christmas
(Highly Collectible Records)
Here’s a pretty amusing tape of upbeat old-school punk rock. This would be a good tape to get smashed to. Nothing near original, but these guys don’t seem to give a fuck and neither do I.
(by R. Mason) ■

Gutted Pulp Swollen Contusion
Pretty intense, I dig the songs OK, the name’s hilarious, but the singer has got to go. This guy ruined the demo for me. It’s really a bummer, ’cause otherwise these guys would be pretty fuckin’ cool! (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Ice Cube The Predator
(Priority)
A godly album of hardcore rap, this vile slab features rad tunes and guests such as Das EFX. Cube kicks out the jams!
(by Editor) ■

Incarnis Castigation
Incarnas has a superior new sound, brutal new tracks, and a well-produced demo with lyrics included. The new lineup results in a more European sound. The band’s sound is really unique. I love this! Two bucks to Ryan. (USA)
(by Nick Mertaugh) ■

Industricore The Great Barrier
It reminds me of that skit on Saturday Night Live, “Sprockets,” the German avant-garde talk show. The vocals on this one-man band are real tiring, and the music is like old-school techno-industrial-whatever. $2. (USA)
(by Editor) ■

Infestation Visions of Repulsion
Pretty cool death metal, not that it’s excitingly original, but who gives a fuck. These guys have a strong doom influence and it really works for them. Nice job! $6. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Intense Agonizing Demo ’92
This is noisy, obnoxious-as-fuck grind. Sounds like the band’s been listening to tons of old Carcass. It sounds like it’s more concerned with going as fast as possible than having any coherency. These guys have promise. $6. (Hungary)
(by R. Mason) ■

Invocator Promotape ’92
Inventive thrash/death metal that’s worth your while. Maybe a little German thrash influence combined with some Swedish death. I dig it. (Denmark)
(by R. Mason) ■

King Diamond A Dangerous Meeting
(Roadrunner)
Return of the Vampire was a much more worthwhile affair, I must say. This comp isn’t bad or anything, but most King/Fate fans probably have this stuff already. What’s next—King: The Prepubescent Years?
(by R. Mason) ■

Landfill Face the Insanity
Okay industrial-ish metal with obvious Prong, Voivod, and Godflesh influences. While this is good, it’s neither abrasive nor textured enough to be considered industrial (if that was the intention). A commendable effort. $5 to Stevo. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Malhavoc Premeditated Murder
(Metal Blade)
This follows along the lines of the first album. These guys pretty much give the impression that they do some acid and then lock themselves in the studio. Unlike last time, their brand of mindfuck industrial works pretty well.
(by R. Mason) ■

Mangled Reality Reality … or Nightmare
Melodic deathrash sounding like an embryonic Atrocity or Epidemic. Good packaging and good production, but lacking good songs. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Medussa Demo ’92
One of the local area’s thrash bands has emitted a new three-song tape. The sound is typical of the group except for a few “parlor band” sections here and there. Write if you dig hyper metal. (USA)
(by Editor) ■

Mighty Force Hyponovel
(Sub Bass)
These guys should thank god I’m reviewing this and not Nick. I really dig this shit. Nothing incredibly great, but groovy techno/house music. Lyrically bizarre, which is typical of this genre. This is a really good album.
(by R. Mason) ■

Morta Skuld Dying Remains
(Deaf)
This is Swedish death metal, except it’s from Wisconsin. If you’ve heard Entombed, Unleashed, etc., you’ve heard these guys. Still, it’s done quite well, so if that’s your thing, pick it up. Good production, too.
(by R. Mason) ■

Mortuary Blackened Images
(JLA)
Thrash along the lines of Extreme Aggression-era Kreator. It’s nowhere near as good, but it doesn’t suck. If you’re still into the type of thrash that died out five years ago, go for it.
(by R. Mason) ■

Necrosis Crown of Thorns
The production is good, the lyrics are good, and the music itself is of the death/thrash variety. Not bad at all. The only problem is, one must have a master’s degree in philosophy to understand the fucking bio. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Obscurity Demo 1992
This isn’t bad, isn’t good. Just standard death metal with some thrashy parts, but nothing to make it stand out from the slew of bands in the genre. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Organic Infest ’92 Promo
Sounds kinda like an amateurish Incantation. There’s potential here but plenty of room for improvement. The production isn’t great either. But another year and tighter arrangements, and these guys should be great. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Painkiller Buried Secrets
(Relativity/Earache)
What words can describe John Zorn? This album is obnoxious as hell, but great. Also present are Mick Harris and Justin Broadrick. This album turned my rectum inside out.
(by R. Mason) ■

Pandemonium Devilri
Good death/ doom/grind that sounds like Bolt Thrower or maybe a faster Winter. Some interesting riffs, also. I’m chuffed! $4. (Poland)
(by R. Mason) ■

Piece Dogs Exes For Eyes
(Energy)
This is lame pseudo-original metal and it does nothing for me. The vocalist is bad and the production isn’t too great for an album. There seems to be some shred of talent buried beneath all this mediocrity, but it’s hard to find in this mess.
(by R. Mason) ■

Pollution Mass ’92 rehearsal
This tape’s the final test before the recording of the demo. After an exciting intro the destruction begins, with the usual heavy riffs and terrifying vocals, death/grind style! For this corrosive death casting, $5. (Italy)
(by Max Usseglio) ■

Pro-Pain Foul Taste of Freedom
(Energy)
This New York band thinks it’s so hard, but it’s got another thing coming. The songs are your basic verse-chorus type of thing, and the lyrics are socially oriented. There’s two guys from the Crumbsuckers here, and I dunno why they formed this band.
(by Editor) ■

Psychic Pawn Wake of Eternity
Well-played, well-written death thrash with a few interesting twists. Reminds me a little of Darkness Descends-type feel but more deathish and technical. Very impressive. (USA)
(by Max Usseglio) ■

Punisher Go Nukes
Yikes! A killer thrash (that’s right, thrash) demo reminiscent of Exodus and Faith Or Fear. The production’s quite good, the band’s pretty tight, and the vocals don’t suck. I’m impressed. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Reckless Abandon Catharsis
A really impressive demo of melodic “groove metal.” The production is great and the lyrics are interesting. Worth checking out. $5. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Repulsion Horrified
(Relapse).
I regret to say that I haven’t heard much of Repulsion and that I can’t elaborate on this album much. It’s the same one as on Earache, with 18 songs of blur-gore. It reminds me a wee bit of Impetigo. Check it out.
(by Nick Mertaugh) ■

Requiem demo
This is OK hyper thrash type stuff. I’m not totally into it, but these guys pull it off pretty well, I think. Nothing too original, but who gives a fuck. It’s not bad. (Australia)
(by R. Mason) ■

Rest In Pain ... For Revenge
Really a great debut for this group: good recording, good cover, etc. Intense techno-thrash played with skill and feeling. Original, powerful, with not too much speed, but great! $6.
(by Max Usseglio) ■

Rest In Peace Inner Scream
Ah, progressive metal! This is in the vein of Watchtower, late Deathrow, and a touch of early Fates Warning. I really like this demo—good production and packaging. Pick this up. $7. (Italy)
(by R. Mason) ■

Revelation Never Comes Silence
(Rise Above)
The local doom-meister’s album is a must for all Black Sabbath-esque freakazoids. Very melodic and catchy, and very heavy! Guaranteed to clear your sinuses.
(by Editor) ■

Rising Nation Fears
Thrash from Belgium with some positive political/social lyrics. This has a really strong groove to it, which keeps it from being redundant. The production’s not bad at all, and it comes with a booklet. I dig these guys. $6. (Belgium)
(by R. Mason) ■

Sacretomia Altar of Sin
A killer demo of Swedish influenced death metal. The production is pretty exceptional, too. Definitely worth picking up. (Sweden)
(by R. Mason) ■

Sacrificial 1993 album
(Trechoma Productions)
This is good, solidly played techno thrash with some death metal elements to it, a little like Ripping Corpse type stuff. Pretty cool, I think. (Denmark)
(by R. Mason) ■

Savior Brutal Tradition
Here’s some good Slayer-ish thrash with death metal influences. Well-played, lyrically above average, good production, and good packaging. $5/2 stamps. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Scald/Drowning In Solitude split demo
Scald’s Pelted [side] is a collection of heavy, dissonant, fuzzy sounds mushed into a few songs, is what this two man industrial/noise/whatever band plays. I can’t say I like it, but what do I know? D.I.S.’s Molested By Spirits [side] on the other hand, is an insane assault of one-man hardcore grind metal, etc., with catchy, memorable riffs! It’s really a pleasure! Send cash/m.o. to Paul. (Canada)
(by Editor) ■

Schizo Wounds
Great return for a “cult” band on the way since 1984! The new stuff is much violent, aggressive, technical, powerful death/ thrash! In this group you’ll find skill and originality! So contact this band or die! (Italy)
(by Max Usseglio) ■

Scorn Lick Forever Dog
(Relativity/Earache)
Mind-warping groove dance-core. Total god, the music sets a mood, with only Mick and Nick performing. It contains the title track, “On Ice,” and two versions of “Heavy Blood.” Very interesting.
(by Editor) ■

Seducer Motive Demon
Good techno-thrash with great production and bad vocals. Amusing bio—there’s a thin line between self-confidence and egotistical self-praise, guys. A good demo worth picking up. $6. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Sepiroth demo
This isn’t bad, and I hate to pick this place to address this, but there’s just too many death metal bands sounding like Earache/ Century Media stuff. Count these guys in. But I really dig the lyrics! $5. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Shud Promo Tape ’92
It has a death style with good technical parts but similar to hundred of other bands. This formula is not too bad; I think it have lose originality on favor of an heavier sound only! (France)
(by Max Usseglio) ■

Silence ’92 Demo
These guys are among the dying breed of great thrash bands. This shows a visible improvement in songwriting and production over Vision. Silence manages to take cliché thrash themes and make them sound brand new. This kills. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Sorrow Hatred and Disgust
(Roadrunner)
This is basically in the same vein as the EP. The main problem I find with this band is its inability to create a moody atmosphere, which is vital to the doom genre. The ability is there, but it still has yet to congeal.
(by R. Mason) ■

Stygian Planetary Destruction
(Leviathan)
Well-played, if somewhat redundant, polished Bay Area-ish thrash. Yeah, usually I tear this type of stuff apart, but Stygian has been around for a while and is damn good at what it does. Nothing original, but definitely worthwhile.
(by R. Mason) ■

Temperance Hypnoparatized
What the fuck is it with all these deathrash bands? This is OK, with good production, but a lot of regurgitated riffs. Overall, it’s kind of boring, but I think the band can do better. $5. (Sweden)
(by R. Mason) ■

Tiamat Clouds
(Century Media)
A highly impressive follow-up, Clouds is an atmospheric album with a tapestry of emotional sounds. The playing and production are expert, and the Satanic lyrics and music take you away. Amazing.
(by Editor) ■

Various Artists Process of Eternal Torment
(Dungeon)
It seems this comp is focused on exposing bands from the Singapore scene; the good, the bad, and the ugly, so to speak. So a few of them really suck, but overall I think this is worthwhile!
(by R. Mason) ■

Various Artists Our Earth Is Bored
(Collision Productions)
A killer political punk/HC/grind comp. with standouts by the gods Resist, Hiatus, and some post-humous material by Namland. Get off yer ass and get this tape! $3.
(by R. Mason) ■

Various Artists Vol. 2
(Wretch Metal)
An above-average comp with some good bands, some bad bands, and some really bad bands. But I respect anyone who has the initiative to do a comp, and overall it’s really not too bad. The production kinda varies too. $3.
(by R. Mason) ■

Windham Hell Complete Awareness
This is an ambitious effort, touching upon several different genres but never settling in enough to be defined in those terms. Overall, this is a really good demo and this band has a lot of potential. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■

Xtra Large Now I Eat Them
(Giant)
A combination of various musical influences. Not always successful, but very ambitious. Commendable, but not my thing. The end.
(by R. Mason) ■

---