Antisma - Rehearsal Tape ‘92
Fairly extreme Death, but what really stands out are the vocals. Maybe it’s because this was recorded so poorly, but these are the heaviest vocals I’ve heard for a while. It’s utterly impossible to distinguish the lyrics and at first I though the vox were an ultra-distorted (and really loud) bass. Also employed is the occasional higher-pitched scream. In a studio, this might totally rule, since the songs seem pretty memorable in addition to their rawness. Cool.
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Angra - Reaching Horizons
Anyone out there remember a band called Helloween? These guys sound sort of like how they did around their Keeper of the Seven Keys days. Yes, Angra are that talented, maybe actually more so. Even the vocals are similar. But if you don’t like this sort of melodic, high-register, vocal style, the music is of such quality that you will still be stunned. I was. I can hardly wait to hear more from them.
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Angels in Exile - Angels in Exile
Pretty Thrashy sounding, but with obvious Death elements. Very clear production, and a lot of energy on these four tracks. Good musicianship along with memorable songs, and a little experimentation (like the wind/piano intro and outro for “Time for a Killing”).
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Anathema - They Die
I got this from A.R.T. records, so I guess you can order it from them as well as Witchhunt. [Or could have, back in 1992. -Editor] Both songs are slow, atmospheric Doom. The vocals and production are pretty raw, which makes for a harsh sound, very much unlike the smoother sound of their Serenades album. In fact, from listening to this 7-inch, it’s hard to believe this is the same band that recorded “Dreaming: The Romance.”
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Amorphis - The Karelian Isthmus
The combination of the slower, Doomy parts with the faster stuff has been done really well here. In fact, everything about this album is done really well. Check this out. ‘Nuff said.
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Amorphis - Amorphis
The occasional lapses into extreme speed cause these two songs to fall back into average. Amorphis’ strength lies in their slower passages, dark and full of power. The speed destroys the atmosphere. But still, this is great. I can see room for improvement, however, and since this release, they have done just that.
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Allegiance - Torn Between Two Worlds
Energetic Thrash. Six songs that once would have been unbelievable, but just aren’t now. Everything here is right: Production, songs, lyrics, vocals, and whatever. But, something seems to be missing. I still like this, but it feels like I should like it more than I actually do.
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Alastis - The Just Law
This is Black Metal, as dark and raw as you would expect. But there is also a very present Doom element, in both the music and lyrics, and other experimentations. All of which totally pay off, and sound great. I’m anxious to hear more from this band.
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Agnostic Front - One Voice
That’s strange… I was under the impression that Agnostic Front was a Hardcore band. This album sounds like a more Thrash (less Death) Sepultura. Even the vocals. That’s not a bad thing, but just not what I expected. Actually, it’s pretty cool. But I have to wonder how many Hardcore bands are still pure ‘Core. I’d like to hear one…
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Agathocles - Theatric Symbolisation of Life
What we have here is a total Death / Grind assault which leaves everyone utterly dead and mutilated beyond belief. When they Grind, it’s ultra fast, and when they slow down, it’s totally thick and unbelievably heavy. There is no way you couldn’t like this.
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Agamas - Agamas
Four songs of awesome Death Metal. Excellent production and song-writing. And a bit more original style and lyrics than most others. Memorable songs that are heavy and brutal enough to kill all in a mile radius. Some bands forget to, or can’t, make their songs memorable at all. That’s why Agamas kicks their collective ass.
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Aftermath A.D. - Disgorging Hatred
Interesting and heavy Thrash from this 4 piece. Four of the 5 songs are fine examples of very aggressive Thrash, with rough, yelled vocals. The remaining song, “Ugly Phuk,” is about 3 seconds long and sounds like an S.O.D. tribute. So that’s cool too. The song “Cult of Greed” deals with police brutality from the victim’s point of view. The lyrics to all the songs deal with real life things. Self described as “Hate-core,” I think it’s an apt description. Check this out.
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Afterlife - Surreality
Glad to hear that they kept the keyboards in the beginning of “Priests…,” uhh I mean “Eve of the Eclipse.” Anyway, they manage to combine a certain degree of technicality with brutality and, somehow, bits of this are pretty memorable. The lyrics are even fairly interesting, and of course Paul vomits them forth in the most raw way possible.
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Affliction - The Damnation of Humanization
This is pretty fucking professional. Eleven songs of high quality, well played, memorable Thrash. Amazing production. The style is certainly not new, but these guys really do it justice.
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Advocate - Advocate
Anyone remember Death Angel’s The Ultra Violence album? Vocally this is very similar, although musically it’s even more intense. Their style is dated, however there is enough energy in these four songs to easily make up for it. Some work could be done on the lyrics, but don’t let that or anything else stop you from hearing this band.
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Adrenalin - Cause and Effect
Other than the occasional lyrical stumble, this is spectacular. Musically they sound sorta like the Thrash version of Atrocity - they are that talented. Vocally very much a screamer, Todd really sounds great, but sometimes his phrasing (when he sings in relation to the music) seems a little unnatural. Very professional looking and sounding, and the production is excellent. Check this out.
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Acrimonium - 1992 demo
I’m even more behind than usual with this review. [I think this review was written in ‘94 or early ‘95 -Editor] And I lost their address. But, somehow, find these guys and this demo. It’s only got two songs, but both are great. Heavy, but well produced, and somewhat brutal, yet memorable. They even have an acoustic intro to the second song, which is very well done. All bands take note: Be sure your address is on the demo or J-card, so I can’t lose it, as I have so foolishly done with Acrimonium.
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Acheron - Rites of the Black Mass
Satanic Death Metal. Adequate recording and production. The heavy, Doomish, riffs are a little more simplistic than need be, but I like it. Raw, yet understandable vox add to an already cool thing. I’d like to hear these Satano-freaks with a decent budget, ‘cause my only real problem with this album is that is sounds like a demo - a quality demo, but still a demo. Don’t let that stop you, though.
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Accidental Suicide - Deceased
There are only so many ways to say “guts” before I fall asleep. The music is good, and sure, the lyrics are gory as shit, but a little substance wouldn’t hurt. This isn’t even scary or really disgusting, just sorta silly. Almost cartoon-like. At least Cannibal Corpse’s lyrics would just about make you puke. I guess I’m being hard on Accidental Suicide, but honestly they have the talent for this to be better.
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Abolisher - The Unity of Opposites
A spicy Death/Thrash ass-whipping Chicago-style. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Abolisher is the best band out of the Chicago Metal scene since the mighty Avernus. This 4 song demo is extremely memorable and well-played. These guys don’t bullshit around, and they’re even better on stage. If there were any justice in this fucking world, they would be signed immediately to a well-paying label & have their penises bronzed by large-breasted groupies. Best song: “Existence Cursed.”
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