Misericordia (Rus) - The Microbiological Revolution (1996)

Genre: Technical Death/Thrash Metal
Country: Russia
Year: 1996

1. The Microbiological Revolution
2. Acetone
3. The Intrauterine Suicide
4. My Dream
5. Post-Alcoholic Depression
6. The Subjugation Of Reason
7. Epilogue

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

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Microbiological Revolution, eh? That's some pretty heavy stuff (for a death metal band!); definitely worth a look. The complex song titles also seemed a bit out of the ordinary, drawing me even closer to what is the definition of a "hidden gem". My preconceptions were spot-on; this is one hell of a damn impressive demo, far ahead of its time, displaying a technical prowess unlike the rest of whence it spawned.

It was hard to put my finger on it at first, but the more I listened, the more the music screamed at me... "DEATH". There is an uncanny similarity to later Death, specifically The Sound Of Perseverance. But hold the phone--wasn't that released after The Microbiological Revolution? Oh shit.

What really struck me was the intensity and strength of the song structures. The whole demo weaves together spectacularly, combining Thrash elements with fast-paced passages ripping with technical riffs and Death-esque guitar solos, but also slows down to a more classic OSDM plodding when appropriate. Fantastic incorporation of ambient/atmospheric overtones saturating the already deep and penetrating grip this demo has on you. Vocals are nothing special, but solid old school growls. In fact, I wouldn't ask for anything else with this style of music. They are actually set a little further back in the mix, which was a good choice to allow the instrumentation a chance to shine, accentuating the technical brilliance these Russians present.

Yet another top-notch release from Mortal Dreams Productions... Recommended.

Jumpin' Jesus - The Art of Crucifying (1991)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Germany
Year: 1991

1. Out Of The Unknown
2. Braincramps
3. The King Of Worms
4. Cloning The Future
5. Chaingang
6. Burnt Offerings
7. Important Gain
8. Rotten Flesh
9. Thru In4cers I's
10. Lost Yourself
11. The Preacher

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives Rating: 83% (1 review)
Last.fm

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Yep, these Germans with the goofy name are at it again, this time on a full-length. All four (real) songs from the demo are here, re-recorded and fine-tuned to perfection. Some of the squeaky riffing has been corrected, giving this album a much more balanced feel. Still very weird, with strange synthy sound effects and spacey overtones and the very rare Avant-Garde approach. The speed is all there, as is the same with the riffs and drumming. It seems they sort of went down the technicality path on this one, and the complex song structures and riffing really shine bright. A fine release!

Electrocution - Inside the Unreal (1993)

Genre: (Technical) Death Metal
Country: Italy
Year: 1993

1. Premature Burial
2. Rising of Infection
3. They Died without Crosses
4. Growing Into the Flesh (Bleed to Death)
5. Body's Decay
6. Ghost of the Past
7. Under the Wings Only Remains
8. Back to the Leprosy Death
9. Behind the Truth
10. Bells to the End

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Metal Archives Rating: 98% (1 review)
Last.fm

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An underrated classic and the only full-length from this monster of a band. Yes, it's sad and all that they only managed to pop out one LP, but it's for the better, considering the direction they were headed. Instead, we're left with this one goldmine of a Death Metal release. Everything about this album is perfect. Incredibly aggressive, this shit is right up in your face, taking quick jabs for the entire 37 minutes. Borderline thrash, the sheer speed and caustic riffs cut right through you like a hot knife through butter (hooray for over-used cliches!). The musicianship is top notch, and even though most of the songs are relatively short at under four minutes a piece, the structure is mind-boggling. Most bands with similar song lengths only know how to riff a few times, pull out a chorus and then riff some more. Not Electrocution. They mix in a wide variety of double kicks, riffs like lightning, and solos that spiral out of control into total chaos. This is brilliance in the most brilliant form. Inside the Unreal gets my crunchy five stars. Recommended.

Creepmime - Shadows (1993)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Netherlands
Year: 1993

1. The Fruits of Ill Virtue
2. A Serenade for the Tragic
3. Suffer the Shadows
4. The Way of All Flesh
5. Chinese Whispers
6. Soon Ripe, Soon Rotten
7. Gather the Shattered
8. My Soul Flayed Bare

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

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This is really cool! In a lot of ways this sorta reminds me of Bloobath. But way better. Probably the most outstanding aspect of Creepmime is the vocalist's ability to growl and grunt, but also make it sound like he's singing. There's a lot of melody in how he sings and it's always very interesting to hear growls sound melodic (not like melodeath). This is especially present in the first track. Also, the riffs are quite good and seemingly inventive, probably because this band demonstrates hints of technicality in their music. Neat, but their other album is even better!

Cosmic Atrophy - Codex Incubo (2008)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 2008

1. Prelude to Phantasmagoria
2. Consumed from Within the X-Zone
3. Shattering of Terrestrial Reality (Invasion of Aberration)
4. Cydonic Adulations
5. Doomed by the Cancer Domus
6. The Granfalloon
7. Adrift in the Lifeless Sea of Black

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives Rating: 92% (3 reviews)
Last.fm

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Oh boy, where to start... Obviously influenced by Demilich, Cosmic Atrophy play a more modern style of Death Metal, with touches of technicality and old school obliteration. A very impressive album, both technically and structurally. I'm reminded all too much of Timeghoul in that "Codex Incubo" exudes a certain mystique and spacey sound. I can hear the Lovecraft and sci-fi not only through the vocals, but through the music itself. Full of shining guitar leads and an abundance of riffs, this is a very enjoyable listen. Each song is quite unique and, I've got to mention it again, brimming with riffs. The riffs are spectacular and inventive, further adding to the solidity of such a promising debut. Recommended!