Originally published in ‘zine issue #9, 1993
Advocate ‘92 demo
This is an OK metal band with a singer that could use a bit of practice and a guitarist that needs to learn restraint. This band definitely could’ve done better. All the members are obviously very competent, but working around the songs instead of the solos would help this band out. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■
Afterlife Surreality
(Grind Core Int.)
Typical death metal with a few catchy parts here and there. The beginning of “Devine Enightenment” is pretty cool. Not bad.
(by Shane Privette) ■
Altered Vision demo
If I weren’t so damn cynical, I might actually give these guys a good reivew instead of dismissing them as just another retread of lame death thrash cliches that’ve been done too many times. (Italy)
(by R. Mason) ■
Angel Powder Beyond the Decay
It starts out with a cool thrash riff circa mid-‘80s Bay Area and then the singer kicks in. No, he’s really not that bad, but the production just doesn’t do his voice well. I’d really like to see these guys live; they’re probably incredible. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■
Apocrafyx Gorgotha
This is your standard death metal with sub-par vocals, typical lyrics, and good production. You kinda get the impression that these guys were probably playing Megadeth covers when that was the trendy thing to do. God, when did death metal get so fucking homogenized? Next … (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■
Asystole demo
Aside from the horribly cliché death metal intro, this demo is packed with proficiently played, well-produced deathrash which sort of reminds me of bands like Desultory and Epidemic. If that’s what turns you on, pick this one up. $4. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■
Beherit Drawing Down the Moon
(Osmose)
To be honest, I really don’t like this as much as the first LP. It’s better production-wise and more technically proficient and all, but lacks the totally evil insanity of The Oath of Black Blood. Pick it up anyway; it’s still good black metal.
(by R. Mason) ■
Believer Dimensions
(Roadrunner)
I haven’t been into these guys since their killer debut. While this is really ambitious, I really can’t say I like it. Side 1 is pretty intense Watchtower/Coroner thrash, while side 2 is full of violins and operatic vocals. If you liked Sanity Obscure, check it out.
(by R. Mason) ■
Black Train Jack No Reward
(Roadrunner)
Twelve songs of melodic pop/punk/hardcore with an ex-member and two roadies from Token Entry. Everything has a “happy” feel to it, so if you’re depressed it may clash with your mood. If you’re a fan of that style, go ahead and check it out.
(by Shane Privette) ■
Bleed Womb
(Requiem Prod.)
Six tracks of “industrial strength grind.” Kind of a cross between early Obituary and Godflesh at times, with a bit of its own style. The production is great and the songs are delivered well, so definitely order this CD for $8.
(by Shane Privette) ■
Broken Hope The Bowels of Repugnance
(Metal Blade)
I don’t understand the hype about this band. It sounds to me like typical death metal with a singer who wants to be Chris Barnes. At least the lyrics are a little different, but is this really supposed to be original?
(by R. Mason) ■
Brutality Screams of Anguish
(Nuclear Blast)
Well, you can definitely tell it’s from Florida, where it was produced, etc., but I like this a lot regardless. The musicianship is really good and the songs keep me interested. I actually like the guitar solos, too! Solidly played Florida death metal.
(by R. Mason) ■
BWF Un-sentimental
(Restless)
Hmmm … this actually doesn’t suck as bad as I thought it would, considering it’s on Restless. Punk/HC-influenced metal at times reminding me of a cross between Fugazi and The Accused. Lyrics are personal, not too bad. I kinda dig this shit!
(by R. Mason) ■
Carcinogen Abysmal Abaitor
So now there’s, like, a whole two death metal bands from Virginia Beach. Well, it’s got four tunes and for $3 you’d be making a mistake to pass this puppy up. Not a million riffs per song, but there’s some good groove. I’d think you’d probably like them. (USA)
(by Vaughn Currier) ■
Chapterhouse Blood Music
(Dedicated)
Kinda popish, whacked out, guitar driven, ambient, house, dub music. An interesting experiment from these Englishmen. If you’re looking for something that’s real mellow, then check it out.
(by Vaughn Currier) ■
Cher UK She’s a Weird Little Snack
(Red Decibel)
This is a pop punk band from MO. It’s upbeat and happy and definitely original. The vocals sound out of place sometimes. I like the mellower songs better. Maybe you’ll like it better than I do.
(by Erin Curtis) ■
Cocteau Twins Four-Calendar Café
(Capitol)
Way too introspective, really whiny, something you’d only listen to if you’ve just broken up with your girl/boyfriend and were planning on slitting your throat. I kinda like it.
(by R. Mason) ■
Cruentus Seeking the Truth
This sounds like weak Bay Area thrash with Phil Anselmo on vocals. Lyrically also typical thrash, even a song about moshing. Jesus, guys, it’s 1994, OK?? It’s time to put away your Exodus records and move on!! $6. (Italy)
(by R. Mason) ■
Cynic Focus
(Roadrunner)
God, I hate this techno-death metal shit. What you have here is just another band of G.I.T. refugees more concerned with impressing you with their musical prowess than actually writing decent, cohesive songs. Technically amazing but ultimately a complete fuckin’ bore!
(by R. Mason) ■
Damnatory Docta Ignorantia
This mini-CD is heavy generic death metal, although there is a cool bass line in the beginning. Not great, not bad. $10 and 2 IRCs. (Switzerland)
(by Shane Privette) ■
Despondent In Sickness and In Death
Well, the backing vocals are cool. As for the rest of this two-song demo, it’s just the same old death metal (keyboards in one song). This is good, but I could swear I’ve heard all of this a million times before. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■
Deteriorate Rotting in Hell
(JL America)
Following the requisite cheesy intro, “Agonized Display” makes it quite clear that these guys are among the legion of faceless death metal bands. This isn’t bad or anything, except for the horribly typical lyrical content. Lame cover art, too.
(by R. Mason) ■
Divination Inner Evil
Hmmm … I’d say these guys need to put their Incantation albums away for a while. Serious dose of, “Oh god, we’re sick and brutal” here. What the hell, JL America will probably sign them anyway.
(by R. Mason) ■
Dog Eat Dog Warrant
(Roadrunner)
Despite the stupid reference to glammers Warrant in the title, this is some fairly potent shit, sorta reminding me of Supertouch and at times straight NYHC. The singer is weak as fuck and the lyrics are worthless, but it sure beats the shit out of Biohazard!
(by R. Mason) ■
Earth Crisis Firestorm
(Victory)
Ah yes, my militant straight edge heroes are back with another killer EP. Earth Crisis plays about as slow a style of hardcore you’ll ever hear. It’s strong stuff—almost tribal. Very anti-drug/pro-vegan message. Buy! Buy! Buy!
(by Vaughn Currier) ■
Enemy In Me promo CD
(Relativity)
This sad excuse for a Ministry ripoff is about as interesting as your grandma’s colostomy bag. What the fuck is it with all these bands jumping on the industrial bandwagon? A complete waste.
(by R. Mason) ■
Exhumation Sensation of Deadness
Here we have some aggressive death thrash metal with synth parts tossed in. Some of the more thrashy parts are catchy. The band has more of an ‘80s sound I think, which is rough but full. Not bad! It’s just a promo, so ask about future releases. (Greece)
(by R. Mason) ■
Great White The Best of Great White
(Capitol)
Having a “best of” record makes a general assumption that the band actually has any good songs. These guys were always too bland for any sort of musical credibility, and now they’re not selling enough to buy their snakeskin spandex pants and rocker hair-dos.
(by R. Mason) ■
Hard Boiled Eggs Demo II 1993
Well … this is a well-produced demo of way-too-happy thrash with annoying-as-hell vocals. The demo cover is a skeleton holding an egg. Sure, it’s original, but then again, so is gouging out your eyes with a plastic fork. Point made? (Italy)
(by R. Mason) ■
Homicide Retaliation Fall
Well, while I can’t say I love this, it’s a huge improvement over We On the Cross! It’s straightforward, well-done thrash that kinda reminds me of the first Vendetta LP. I’m really impressed with this demo; most bands have abandoned playing this stuff a while ago. $6. (Homicide)
(by R. Mason) ■
Impaled Nazarene Tol Cormpt Norz Norz Norz
(Osmose)
I know I’ve found a good record when it scares the living fuck out of me. This does. Completely evil, genuine black metal done really well that puts the onslaught of pseudo-Satanic bands to shame. By far the best black metal band around.
(by R. Mason) ■
Loudblast Sublime Dementia
(Futurist)
It didn’t really reach out and grab me. To categorize, I guess this stuff would be death metal. It’s sort of progressive as well. Almost too clean sounding.
(by Vaughn Currier) ■
Malevolent Creation Stillborn
(Roadrunner)
Well, they’ve come a long way since “Multiple Stab Wounds,” I’ll give ‘em that. This album shows progression from the band’s earlier albums. The singer has changed his style a bit. Clean production as well. A good job from this death metal thrash band.
(by Editor) ■
Master’s Hammer The Filemnic Occulist
(JL America)
To be honest, I haven’t heard much from this band and after listening to this LP, I’m fucking glad! Keyboard-damaged black metal with cheesy-as-fuck riffs and idiotic song titles such as “That Magnificent Deer Has Vanished.” Oooo, scary!
(by R. Mason) ■
Melancholy Pessimism demo
Just your standard, been done a million times, typical death metal bullshit that offers absolutely nothing new. C’mon, give your fucking Deicide records a rest, willya? (Slovakia)
(by R. Mason) ■
Miscreant Ashes
This band is going for the atmospheric death metal thing and it works pretty well. This reminds me of At The Gates, My Dying Bride, and Tiamat. The only problem is the weak vocals, but that might have more to do with the production than anything else. Overall, I’m impressed! (Sweden)
(by R. Mason) ■
Morgue Eroded Thoughts
(Grind Core Int.)
These guys remind me a lot of Autopsy. This is especially apparent in the song “Random Decay.” Fast parts and doom parts, all about body parts. This is a good release.
(by Shane Privette) ■
Mouth Foreword
(Metal Blade Modern)
The band released its demo on this CD and then was signed to Metal Blade’s latest attempt to make a buck, “Metal Blade Modern.” Anyways, it’s kinda heavy “alternative” featuring ex-members of T.S.O.L., Mary’s Danish, and Mother. OK.
(by Shane Privette) ■
Munkz Of Mungh demo
Well, this sucks. I can’t even hear the guitar, but unfortunately I can hear everything else. Lyrical subjects include hockey and fishing. This sounds like an awful death metal band without a guitarist. For the love of god, spare yourself from this atrocity!! $2 cash. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■
My Sister’s Machine Wallflower
(Chameleon)
If you like that commercial grunge from Seattle sound, then what are you waiting for? You just can’t lose with Wallflower. I’m sure this stuff will take MTV by storm. They’ll probably be on next year’s $Lollapalooza$ tour, too.
(by Vaughn Currier) ■
Neolithicum demo
Uh oh, the oh-so-evil intro is making [me] limp. Well, thankfully this isn’t another bad death metal band. Instead, it’s a bad thrash band. The singer sorta sounds like Grover from Sesame Street on Prozac. This is really funny. If you think your band sucks, write Neolithicum. (Holland)
(by R. Mason) ■
Oppressor As Blood Flows
When I heard the cheesy, chiche death metal intro, I knew I was in trouble. “Original” death metal, guys? Well, they seem to be hiding their supposed originality very weill in this mess of techno-death metal. $7. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■
Order From Chaos Stillbirth Machine
(Decapitated)
Instead of plagiarizing the Necronomicon like every other band, they’ve chosen to write about some interesting stuff, even though I don’t know what the hell they’re talking about. Oh yeah, the music … well, it’s average death metal with lame vocals.
(by R. Mason) ■
Paradise Lost Icon
(Metal Blade)
I wasn’t exactly clutching myself with excitement about this after hearing the awful Shades of God. This more of the same bullshit. I’d call it a cross between the new Cathedral, the new Metallica, and a barrel of leper semen. I just don’t know anymore …
(by R. Mason) ■
Paralysis Patrons of the Dark
(Grind Core)
Pretty good death metal with lots of different riffs and tempo changes. The vocals remind me a bit of Chris Barnes/Cannibal Corpse. The music is a little too standard for my taste, but the band does play the style well.
(by Shane Privette) ■
Paw Dragline
(A&M)
When midwestern boys give up growing corn for rock ‘n’ roll, scary things happen. This is a pretty interesting and original blend of ‘60s/‘70s influences (not in a retro way) and some modern, metallish riffs thrown in. Get that corn cob outta yer ass and buy this CD.
(by R. Mason) ■
Pestilence Spheres
(Roadrunner)
I guess I should’ve seen this coming after the last album’s more technical, progressive direction. Fusion-inspired techno-death with keyboard parts and, yes, it’s as bad as it sounds. If you wanna hear this kind of stuff, Death does it much better.
(by R. Mason) ■
Phantom Crew Existence
An OK metal band that sort of reminds me of newer Metallica, but more rock ‘n’ rollish. The production is OK for a four-track and the material is decent, I guess. It’s worth a listen if cheese metal’s your thing! $5. (USA)
(by R. Mason) ■
Pungent Stench Dirty Rhymes and Psychotronic Beats
(Nuclear Blast America)
These death metal Austrians put two versions of “Blood, Pus, and Gastric Juice” from that split 7” on here. Techno remixes in death metal are getting popular. Maybe Been Caught Buttering was better, but this is damn cool.
(by Editor) ■
Suppression demo
(Chaotic Noise)
An aural assault of hardcore/grind, reminiscent of Disrupt-meets-Assück. The duo vocals are insane and the lyrics are godly political. Totally extreme lyrics and music! The true meaning of the oft-used “brutal.” These guys fuckin’ rule. $3. (USA)
(by Editor) ■
Various Artists Vol. II
(Behind the Mirror)
The Allegiance, R.I.P., and Meat Shits songs on here are the only things I find at all interesting. There’s a slew of god-awful death/thrash bands on this comp. You’d think if someone went through the effort of putting this out, they’d use some decent bands.
(by R. Mason) ■
Voivod The Outer Limits
(Mechanic)
Honest music! Remember that? It’s a far and distant thing nowadays. While most of the world is caught up in trends and “fitting in,” some people and bands just keep on doing it their way. Voivod is the perfect example. Since day one (back in ‘84), these guys have impressed me to a point no other band has ever achieved. From their off-the-wall broken-English lyrics to their even more off-the-wall music, Voivod has delivered something different and new every time. The Outer Limits, their seventh full-length LP, is a tour de force of amazing music. All-out top musicianship has given me this, my all-time favorite Voivod record! Why, do you say? Well, if you pick this LP up and investigate, you’ll find fast-paced rock, suicide downer music, barbaric power metal, wacky guitar solos, laser guns, and total 100 percent classy music. Include 3-D packaging, 1990s sci-fi topics, and another Pink Floyd cover, and you’ve got in your belongings something very rare: a band that cares about its music. What’s next, do you ask? Who knows—they might just get in their flying saucers and lift off to another planet. And with a whole lot of luck, they’ll take me with them! I’m sure they could use a merchandise man for the tour!
(by King Fowley) ■
