secret-face.com - Metal Reviews

Morbid Angel - Kingdom's Disdained (Silver Lining Music/2017)

6/6/2018

This is kind of a rehash to "Gateways To Annihilation" which was an outstanding album to say the least. This one, I thought though was a little bit less of a great album than that because the riffs on the guitar were not as catchy nor do they either compare to old Morbid Angel circa David Vincent era such as "Alters of Madness" or "Covenant." That was when Morbid Angel I think was at the top of their game when it comes to death metal releases and fresh music that's totally underground and fresh riffs. On "Kingdom's Disdained" you don't get that vibe of the old band just "Gateways..."

I cannot say that every track was a tragedy in death metal or Morbid Angel for that matter, I just think that they've come back from a horrific previous release to a 50-60% stronger release but still not up to my standards when it comes to Morbid Angel. I think that they really are a thing of the past for me because when I first got this and listened to it I said to myself "what the heck?!" But after repeated listens to, I've come to like it a little more and more. But it still is in no way a comparison to the old days with the old lineup.

My thinking is that they should just drop the leads altogether I think that Trey just doesn't have it anymore, nothing like as good as on "Covenant", but still at least he's not overdoing it in that aspect. Production made the older albums seem more raw and this one seems like it's a little bit more together in terms of mixing. I'm usually pretty fussy when it comes to how an album will sound and how much energy the production and mixing will go. But it's solid on that end.

I like a lot of the riffs on here I thought they were well composed just not as original or catchy as the old Morbid Angel, but I don't think anything would compare to the late 80's early 90's era. They seemed to have it together with the guitar riffs that were just immaculate. This one is good sounding just not as catchy. I failed to go through the songs/lyrics because I wanted to report on how I thought about the riff writing and overall sound to the recording.

If you've not gotten this already, check it out on Spotify you'll find the whole album on there. But do the band a favor and purchase the album because it benefits the bands and record stores in general. It's definitely a quality type of album, but it just cannot reach my standards to as I've been saying about the Morbid Angel of the old era. They're making better music, and hopefully they'll stay around a while longer so that we can still enjoy some quality death metal.

Rate: 75%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).

Skeletal Remains - Devouring Mortality (Dark Descent Records/2018)

6/6/2018

Definitely some solid death metal in the vein of Death/Pestilence/Obituary et al. I would have to say that some of the guitar riffs reflected that of Death's "Spiritual Healing." Very similar vibe to it. The vocals are the only part of the band that I think should be different, but they are what they are. The music and production quality makes up for that aspect. This one I thought is a better listen to than their previous album, though I thought both were pretty strong.

This is for sure a better produced album than the previous album "Condemned To Misery." The vocals are the same but the production quality is top notch on this one. The guitar riffs are catchy, not necessarily too fast but the leads are wicked. I enjoyed that aspect of the guitars, too. Not just the riffs, I felt the leads were very well conducted. The music is solid death metal with tints of melodic parts in it as well. They really do know how to make some quality music.

I didn't flip through the lyrics I just thought that the music is enough to report on. The main rhythms are heavy alongside the melodic parts, as previously stated. Very good and well orchestrated music altogether. This one I was skeptical about but when I heard it for the first time I was blown away. The production is what I noticed at first to be very strong. And the music totally a joy to listen to for death metal lovers.

You can download this on Spotify, that's what I did the first time around hearing about this band. But it was good enough for me to say "the hell with it, I'm buying a physical copy too!" Be a supporter of extreme metal and purchase this one. Show the band that you are interested and want them to stay around for a while, that and record stores, too! This one is one you can't leave out of your death metal collection!

Rate: 90%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).

Skeletal Remains - Condemned To Misery (F.D.A. Records/2015)

6/6/2018

Definitely a sounding like Death/Obituary mixed in there, this death metal act does a good job at keeping the listener entranced in awe of a slaughter of the eardrums. The riffs here are faster and furious than their latest, "Devouring Mortality." I like their latest a bit more, the production quality is better sounding and the instruments are more augmented. This one is more of a death metal solely type of album whereas I think their latest was flirting more with melodic pieces.

I didn't bother with the lyrics, we're here to talk about the music itself. Though I've stated before, I don't care much for the vocals but they fit better than their new one. It's just that you can hear them more on this one whereas their latest the music sort of drowns out the vocals. Here they're fitting and forthright. I think this is a quality death metal album with guitar riffs and drum-work all entirely worth a "B" average. I wouldn't go any higher.

There's nothing really boring about this release. The compositions are quite well executed, especially the lead guitars. That's one thing I stress in a lot of death metal albums the leads aren't well played out. Well both the rhythm and leads are strong on here. The vocals are guttural but fitting. This one is a darker release than their latest. So don't listen to it on your "down days." It's something that's really good to hear when you want to listen to some good death metal.

I downloaded this on Spotify, it's worth getting the physical copy though. But if you really want a better release than this, purchase their newest release "Devouring Mortality." Still though, show the band appreciation and get this on CD, it'll do justice for the band and record stores. A definitely good death metal here that needs more publicity!

Destruction - Cracked Brain (Steamhammer/1990)

5/30/2018

In retrospect, almost 30 years have gone by that this record has been in existence. The re-issue doesn't take away from the magic of this release minus Schmier from the lineup. But the staple 3 members that appear on 'Release From Agony' are featured on here (Mike, guitars Harry, guitars and Olly, drums). There was a session bassist by the name of Christian Engler that takes Schmier's bass duties. I've always felt that this would've been a much more solid release if their frontman wasn't on hiatus for this recording. However, it is what it is and Schmier's been back for a while now so that's not changing anytime soon. The older riffs on this album especially have been Destruction's finest. I don't think that anything but a few newer releases are as catchy as the old stuff, 'Cracked Brain' included.

I remember I had this on cassette way back in the early 90's for an occasional listen to though the tape did not survive. Well, Andre (Poltergeist) does a fine job though because he had some pretty big shoes to fill especially Schmier being on Destruction's first three full-length releases along with a live recording ('Live Without Sense', 1989). This being recorded in Germany along with the three main members or at least 3 out of 4 on the previous. They had some great elements on this recording but if only the production were a little more solid, the vibe with have been tastier. That's my personal opinion, though. Destruction have always have their own style of thrash reflecting (as Schmier has said in interviews) that they're sort of punk rock inspired. That's not too far off.

American thrash metal bands from the early on (some of which) have gotten out of the music scene completely or changed their style of music. But Destruction has never changed their style of songwriting which is why I believe they've been true to their roots since born into the metal scene. This was way back in 1982 under the name "Knight of Demon." Of course the change has been made to this day, and a much more suiting to their musical ensemble. But anyway, the cover of "My Sharona" by the Knacks was well done, though they could've left it to the end of the record, but it hits about mid-way through the album. I suppose they wanted listeners not to lose interest kind of like the song on the Mad Butcher EP, the song "Mad Butcher" which is sort of by getting aroused by the opposite sex.

The whole feeling of 'Cracked Brain' has a reverb type of echo as with Andre's vocals. Harry once again was phenomenal on lead guitars. It's a shame that he's left the band for good with "occasional" guest appearances on newer releases. From my understanding, he used to practice the guitar for 15 hours a day! I'm not sure how true that is, it definitely is believable. He simply shreds. Mike has always been great on the rhythm guitar department, however, the lead guitar was never his forte. I guess you could say that they were stronger in the 80's as a 4-piece act. But things didn't happen that way from now here-on. These leads by Harry on here are once again phenomenal and in the riff department both guitarists don't set short of anything but greatness.

German thrash has this element that I talked about and sort of makes American bands in this genre a little bit more or less likable, though I've always have been an old-school Metallica and Testament follower. But Sodom, Panzer, Destruction, et al have a special scene in the thrash genre. There's just more element to this style of thrash. Be sure to key into the songs "Rippin' You Off Blind" and "Die A Day Before You're Born." These are classics here on 'Cracked Brain'. Even though I like the music here, there's no one that can replace Schmier on vocals. It was like the three members kept the music aglow but the vocals, well I don't or never have favored Andre's tone. If only they could record this album (full-length) with Schmier, then a-ha the album would've been done more justice.

Rate: 80%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).

Vader - Dark Age (Witching Hour Productions/2017)

5/30/2018

Formed in Poland around the year of 1983 by Peter (front-man), Vader plays death/thrash metal that really hits home with their releases. This new one is their 12th full-length record! This one is definitely another good one going strong. With Peter mainly putting together the music, he never changes his vocals. They're always somewhat low-end grunting, but not excessively. On here, there's no exception.

Kind of strange the line-up here it seems like their were more session members than actual members on the roster. Nevertheless, Vader just crushes once again with their unique songwriting style and HEAVY! This one is uncompromising.

I enjoyed the CD from start to finish. The music is what's cripplingly heavy, with no let-up. This band knows how to tear it apart. While I DID NOT enjoy the leads (there were quite a lot of them), the rhythms shined. I would say take out the lead guitar and play on rhythm, it would suit the albums better. It's a for sure that Peter knows what he's doing from a songwriting aspect.

Lyrical concepts consist of the Necronomicon, magic, anti-religion, war and darkness. Nothing that really interests me though. I'm more keyed into the music. But a lot of death metal bands are driven by dark topics, it's no wonder that Vader strings alongside these topics. However, it keeps the music underground. That's the beauty of it (if you wish to call it that).

I think that this album is about as good as their predecessor. It's got variety to it, thrashy in many parts and uncompromising, which I've stated already.

Songs to check out are "Final Massacre", "Chaos" and "Decapitated Saints." Get a physical copy of this CD you won't regret it. Or download it on Spotify.

Rate: 95%

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).

Broken Hope - Mutilated and Assimilated (Century Media Records/2017)

5/9/2018

This is the most admirable (aside from 'Loathing') a release that Broken Hope has come out with in years. Mind you, they did split in 2001 from the metal scene then came back with a new line-up (except for Jeremy Wagner) who has been with the band since they formed (1988). They write about not so colorful topics but it includes gore, death, sickness and Anti-religion. Upon reading the lyrics to this one, they're pretty brutal to say the least. But they have a lot of good music to show for on this album.

While a lot of death metal bands struggle to find their own unique sound, Broken Hope shows their influences (Autopsy, et al) and creates their own cool vibe to their music. I was surprised how many times I did actually listen to this album before I chose to write about it. However, it's close to perfect in what a newer death metal album should be like. "Tom" Leski spews forth his annihilation on vocals and I might say that the lead and rhythm guitar sounds are phenomenal. Originality in songwriting, absolutely!!

A lot of the members come from different bands such as Jungle Rot, Earthburner, Disinter, Disgorge et al. So these are members that know how to transpose good death metal. I'd have to say that from what I've heard of 2017 releases, this one has to be one of the top albums. The music is what keeps me coming back to it, not to mention the production quality via Century Media Records has it to be sounding crisp upon awakening.

I should warn you once again regarding the lyrics, they are sort of Cannibal Corpse-esque. But these type of words fit well with an album that's going (or is) simply brutal. That's what 'Mutilated and Assimilated' is all about. No real grindcore here though there are some moderate blast beating. The music takes everything over. And the vocals go well alongside the music. No doubting Broken Hope did a great thing in the metal community this time around. We no longer have to dig into the past to the 'Loathing' days to hear something good from them. 'Mutilated and Assimilated' is here.

If you stumble on this release, be sure to check out "The Meek Shall Inherit Shit", "Malicious Meatholes" and "Blast Frozen." Those are some of my favorite songs on there. Definitely support the band by buying the physical copy of the CD. You can always download it first to see if you like it, or listen to those tracks before you make your purchase. This Chicago based band deserves high praise from a long awaited return!!

Rate: 95%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).

Exhumed - Death Revenge (Relapse Records/2017)

5/9/2018

Back after a 4 year hiatus, follow-up from the 'Necroacy' (2013), Exhumed seems to be a little stronger and more brutal than their predecessor. But! Not as convincing as their 'All Guts, No Glory' (2011). However, this one takes a seat in the middle in my opinion as a well liked Exhumed record. A different sort of production and now that they're on Relapse, that may explain a certain "dryness" in the making or sound to this one. What I mean by that is that it's a little bit flat in tone, especially the drums.

They're sticking with some staple members though, that being Matt on guitars/vocals, Ross Sewage vocals/bass, Bud Burke guitars/vocals, and Mike Hamilton who joined the band on drums back in 2011. If I'm to understand correctly Matt Harvey has been frontman and with the band for the longest period of time. In one interview, he's said to have started way back when he was a teenager with the guitar and wow the lineup changes over the years. That must've been hard to pull off, especially on live performances teaching fill-in members, but but they did it.

Let's hope Exhumed continues in this direction of death/grind in the vein of Dying Fetus and Archspire, just not AS technical as those bands, but still in the vein of them. Exhumed did form when there was a huge death metal since in the 90's especially in Tampa (Death, Obituary, et al), though their origin is in San Jose, California circa 1990. That's the first where they formed and have been on and off over the years, in the most recent years, making more albums now then before.

I still would have to say that the gut and locked in sounds of 'All Guts, No Glory' (2011) remain to be my favorite. However, 'Death Revenge' is one piece of work. If only a few things that I pointed out were remedied (production/mixing) then I would've given this a higher rating. But it is what it is here and I'm sure that fans were pleased with the new one over the previous one. 'Necrocasy' was a bit too melodic for this band, their roots lie in the death/grind sort of arena.

Some cool tracks to check out are "Defenders of the Grave", "Unspeakable", "A Funeral Party", and the title track. Their all good though, despite my axing of the production sound. It may just be something to get used to for me. The leads by both by Matt and Bud were supreme and the music is what glorifies the release. It's definitely one to look into. Check out those songs or download the album on Spotify, but do your best if you like it enough, purchase the record.

Rate: 75%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).

Archspire - Relentless Mutilation (Season of Mist/2017)

5/9/2018

The first time I heard this album was on Spotify I think it was last year. I didn't think much of it, but I gave it a few more listens to then decided to buy a physical copy. It was really worth it, as well as their predecessor, 'The Lucid Collective' (2014), which wasn't as well reviewed as their latest. I can hear why, it was a little bit all over the place of an album, which is typical with a technical death metal act. But! Their latest takes more of a liking from me not because of the production, but because of the music. Yes, it does keep your head spinning with those whirlpool guitar frenzies. I didn't really dislike anything from this release. I thought it stronger than the former album, so let's break it down here...

Being a former guitarist, you tend to pay more attention to what are coming out of the amplifiers than anything else. However, their has to be likable vocals and production as well. The lyrical concepts of these types of bands mostly focus on negative things, so it's best to focus on the music. They are (I think) playing some maybe 7-string guitars, but I'm not firm on making that assessment. However, the riffs just blow you away and the music is a total liking to. They seem to blend in some jazz into slow parts, which is surprising for a death metal band.

A lot of people found Oli Peters (vocals) to be annoying, but I actually find him to blend well in the release. They're not playing fast ALL THE TIME and the vocals are at times though really damn fast grunting. The guitarists (Tobi Morelli and Dean Lamb), seem to know how to kill it from their perspective. Really well rounded musicians. It's hard to keep up with everything that's going on. 30 minutes of technical death metal frenzy. Just realize that they're going to knock you on your ass if you see them live.

What's not to like about 'Relentless Mutilation' is the question? They blend a bit of everything here, style, non-conformity, unique sound, and a passion for greatness. These guys seem to be pretty down to Earth as well if you take a listen to some of their interviews.

It's hard to pick one or two songs out of the whole album that's going to hit home, except for the whole album itself. However, check out "Involuntary Doppelganger", the title track and "The Mimic Well" for starters. This album is available on Spotify as I've said same with the second album. Get both to make your determination. 'Relentless Mutation' slaughters from every different avenue!! Pick it up, today!

Rate: 100%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).

Dying Fetus - Reign Supreme (Relapse Records/2012)

5/9/2018

I chose to review this one of their latest because I thought that it was catchier and sort of the essence of a better Dying Fetus-esque vibe than their current release. Not to mention that I like the production on here, it's solid. The vocals have never been my favorite listening moments in Dying Fetus albums, but they want to keep it underground and I have no problem in saying "okay, this is how you want to do it, you can change it up here and there." John Gallagher and Sean Beasely trade off on vocals so it's variety, at least.

What's so gripping about this release is the music above everything else. Dying Fetus just tears it up in the guitar department. The arpeggios whizzing up and down the fret-board alongside thick guitar artistry tempos really are all over the place. But the execution of the drums along the guitar is what makes this a gem. I don't think I've liked a Dying Fetus album more than this one. Honestly, I don't care that they sing about morbid topics such as hatred and violence mixed with some flirty political views. This is brutal death metal, they can write what they deem fitting to write about.

I cannot get enough of the guitars and energy. They rip it up and the vocals keep the music sounding darker than it actually is. So yeah, it's from every aspect from what's been talked about the band forming in Maryland circa 1991 alongside members comping and going in the band, it seems that they have their strongest, most gripping lineup since forming.

The blast beats I can deal with since I favor bands like Napalm Death during the Mick Harris (ex-Napalm Death/Defecation) era of drummers and totally am into the grind Napalm Death days where it was just raw. At the time Dying Fetus formed, ND's "Harmony Corruption" was released (I believe that year, 1991). So they tackled their influences in the grind mode but strain it deeper with more memorable arpeggios and tremolo picking that's almost robotic. The drums have been criticized on here ('Reign Supreme') yet I think the snare is just fine.

Altogether, we've touched on the production, the music, the lyrical concepts, the originality in songwriting (to a certain extent) and the vocals. There's no reason why this album is nothing closer to perfect than anything in their entire discography. You might have to just download this album or listen to it on YouTube. Check out "Subjected To A Beating", "In the Trenches", "Devout Atrocity" and "The Blood of Power." In the words of Chuck Schuldiner (RIP): "keep the metal faith alive." Get this one, NOW!

Rate: 100%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).

Dying Fetus - Wrong One To Fuck With (Relapse Records/2017)

5/9/2018

Ugh, the production on here is too flat, that's why I deem 'Reign Supreme' (2012) to be a better sounding album mixing/sound wise. But the riffs are about as good as on here than they are on 'Reign Supreme'. Their predecessor is probably their best that they've ever put out. But to those who give this album a better rating, they may argue that the guitar licks are better here. I disagree. For a band that formed in 1991, they still have it, though most of the original line-up is gone. This trio is what remains and yes despite the flat out appeasing comments I've thrown into this introduction, I did like the album.

You get a better listen to what's going on in the guitar department here than if it's coming out of your boom box or stereo. It's just everything is intensified, on here it's just a flatter sounding record and the guitar tone is a little bit less than good. I like the licks, but I don't like the guitar vibe. It doesn't sound as good as when they did on 'Reign Supreme'. The arpeggios are still whizzing up and down the fret-board, but they're not with as much precision. The pig-sounding down picked riffs alongside the vocals fit well. But is album is no "God" or an album that they've put out. Some people tend to think, "well, oh yes this is the best they've done in years." I disagree.

Listen to 'Reign Supreme' compared to this one and make your determination. So getting to the music, they do a lot of crazy fret-work it's just not their best. They should go back to the Dying Fetus basics here and keep the trio, just remember what their last album was like, you'll get the vibe.

Tempo changes all over the place and the combination between the deep growls along with a little variety makes it more appealing. But the production is just crap, they have a box-like recording. I'm not exaggerating. If people think I'm overstepping the mark in what I'm saying, I say well "listen to the album and compare it to the last record, what do you hear the most difference between those two?"

I would download this album first on Spotify or listen to some songs like "Die With Integrity" and "Weaken the Structure." I don't suggest to run to the store and make a purchase with it. That way you'll not be disappointed in case you ignored my review of this one. 'Wrong One to Fuck With' was somewhat of a disappointment to me.

Rate: 75%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).