Newsgroups: alt.rock-n-roll.metal.heavy,alt.thrash
Subject: At Death's Door II: review
Supersedes: <93022.161930JXH107@psuvm.psu.edu>
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1993 19:08:25 EST
From: Jeff Hochberg <JXH107@psuvm.psu.edu>

As promised, here's a full review of the new Roadrunner compilation.
Hopefully I won't piss too many people off, but in the event that I rag on
a favorite band of yours, please flame away (via e-mail, please) and we'll
argue. Here goes:

Fear Factory: "Martyr" (From their incredible album SOUL OF A NEW MACHINE)

  The first time I heard these guys, my jaw dropped. If you've never heard 'em
before, picture a cross between Napalm Death and Ministry and you've got some
idea of their overall sound: brutal death/thrash with some industrial elements
mixed in (like distorted vocals, etc). "Martyr" is an excellent track from
their highly recommended album. I like the juxtaposition between "SUFFER!!!
BASTARD!!! as it's screamed as opposed to "Sufferrrr... Bastarrrd..." as it's
gently sung. Pretty cool. Although if *I* were compiling the album, I'd
include the song "Crash Test" instead.

Disincarnate: "Stench of Paradise Burning" (From their '92 demo. This is James
 Murphy's new band, by the way)

I always wondered what Murphy's SONGWRITING would sound like. Think about it:
we all KNOW he can play a hell of a solo from his outstanding work with Death,
Obituary and Cancer, but can the guy actually FRONT a band? Fuck yes! I was
extremely impressed with this track. Nice tempo changes, cool riffs (some of
which reminded me of Cannibal Corpse and/or Malevolent Creation), brutal vocal
delivery, etc... in a nutshell, all the makings of a fine death metal band.
Watch out...

Suffocation: "Prelude to Repulsion" (different version than from their forth-
 coming album BREEDING THE SPAWN)

This was probably the track I was most looking forward to. EFFIGY OF THE
FORGOTTEN blew me away, especially in the drum and vocal department. The only
drummer I think I've ever heard who plays faster than Mike Smith is the guy
from Brutal Truth (I forget his name), and Frank Mullen's monster vocals are
challenged by no-one except Chris Barnes of Cannibal Corpse. That is, until
now. I hate to say it, but this track was a bit of a let-down. The most
striking difference between this and their earlier material is definitely the
vocals: it seems as though Mullen has opted for a greater "range" in the sense
that the infernal growls he was known for (accomplished by cupping one's hands
around the mic) now play a smaller part in their music (at least in THIS song).
It is cool, though, to hear what Mullen's "normal" death voice sounds like. In
fact, even without the "hand-cupping" technique, he's still one of the most
brutal vocalists around. Musically, the song is similar to their previous work,
although the production is not as crushingly heavy.

Cynic: "Uriboric Forms" (Finally! From their '91 demo)

Ahhh... finally, the much-anticipated label debut (well, almost) of Cynic, who
have undoubtedly been the most talked about unsigned death metal act around.
We've heard these guys playing on everyone ELSE'S albums (Death, Pestilence,
Athiest, etc), and now we finally have the chance to hear their OWN stuff. The
verdict? HOLY SHIT!!! Amazingly cool progessive death metal along the lines of
Athiest, Cadaver, Hexx, etc. but with more brutal vocals. Actually, they even
reminded me a little bit of a death metal version of Watchtower. There's not
much I can say except that this is probably my favorite track on the album.
Too cool.

Gorguts: "Hideous Infirmity" (From their new album EROSION OF SANITY)

To tell you the truth, I was never very excited about Gorguts' CONSIDERED
DEAD album, so I didn't have very high hopes for this song. I guess I just
considered the band to be too average and run-of-the-mill. Looks like this
new album might change my mind! I was quite impressed by this tune: Luc Lemay
continues to do some pretty cool things riff-wise, and vocally there is
definitely an increased level of brutality. Thumbs up.

Sorrow: "Illusion of Freedom" (From their album HATRED AND DISGUST)
Death: "God of Thunder" (Kiss cover)

I can lump both of these tracks together and review them in one shot, because
I think they're both miserable songs and I wish they weren't on the disc. Could
someone please explain to me what's so great about Sorrow???? Forgive me, but
in my book, they rank up there with Cancer on the "most wildly overrated death
metal band" list. I've always thought their music was boring and their lyrics
were goofy, and this track is no exception. As far as Death is concerned, I
admit they WERE one of the most influential death metal bands at one time.
Nowadays, they're has-beens, or should I say HE (Chuck) is a has-been. I liked
White Zombie's cover of "God of Thunder," but I can't stand this one. Oh well.
By the way, my suggestion for fans of old Death who are looking for something
similar: check out Morgoth (on Century Media)...

Malevolent Creation: "Piece by Piece" (Slayer cover)

Actually, this isn't that great of a cover. I really expected better from
Malevolent Creation. There isn't much to distinguish this version from the
original: it's played at the same speed (I figured they'd quicken the tempo a
little), etc. Brett didn't seem to put too much effort into the vocals.
Overall, it's GOOD, but definitely does little justice to Slayer.

Atrocity: "Unspoken Names" (From the album LONGING FOR DEATH)

I don't have a lot to say about this track. I like it. Above average riff
writing, nice guitar harmonies, pretty brutal vocals, decent drumming. This
new album is by far their best material, that's for sure.

Brujeria: "Padre Nuestro" (Fuck yeah! From their MACHETAZOS 7")

Yahooo! I was thrilled to see these guys included on the collection. Super
evil-sounding shit from the bowels of Mexico. The vocals are amazingly low
and guttural, thanks to a little tweaking of the tape speed adjustment during
the recording. Speaking of the recording, it's pleasantly under-produced and
raw sounding. Let's hear it for bands on a low budget! I highly recommend their
7" on Alternative Tentacles (for the gruesome cover artwork, if for no other
reason) OOO!!!

Immolation: "No Forgiveness" (From their album DAWN OF POSSESSION)

Sorry, but I'll have to give these guys another lukewarm review. They
definitely know how to play, that's for sure. Their drummer is quite fast,
and everyone else executes the songs quite well. Above-average vocal delivery.
They're good, I just don't care for their sound too much. It sounds like the
drummer only knows one fill, and he keeps repeating it throughout the entire
song!

and last but not least...

Skin Chamber: "Sucked Inside" (From their album WOUND)

Skin Chamber was an interesting choice to finish off the album with. I
personally consider them much, much closer to industrial than death metal,
but it does sort of fit into the album somehow. Hellish screaming vox, etc.
make this band somewhat appropriate on a death metal compilation. Not a bad
track, but I'd rather listen to something like Godflesh.


Anyway, there you have it. Undoubtedly, others will be adding their $0.02
worth. Overall, I'm quite happy with the album, with the exceptions I've
noted. If I were on the Roadrunner staff and had a hand in compiling it,
I'd exclude Sorrow, Death, Immolation, and Skin Chamber and replace them
with Brutal Truth, Cannibal Corpse, Cadaver, and Bolt Thrower, just for the
record. Anybody else?....

                                                        -- Jeff
Newsgroups: alt.rock-n-roll.metal.heavy