Cerekloth - Pandemonium Prayers (2008)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Denmark
Year: 2008

1. Pandemonium Prayers
2. Lunatic of God's Creation (Deicide cover)
3. Touch of the Scythe

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"What is it? What's going on?" ... "It's death." Right from the start, I knew this EP was going to slay. With an intro like that, you've got to prepare yourself for some hard-hitting, insane death metal, and that's exactly what you get with Cerekloth's debut EP.

I'm noticing some grindcore influences in this whiplashing style of death metal, notably the ferocity and unrelenting speed, coupled with several vocal types, ranging from the low guttural all the way up to the gurgling spitting of inaudible sacrilege. Everything is fast to the max on Pandemonium Prayers, and the only downside is that it ends too quickly! Only two original songs and a Deicide cover, but I'll take quality over quantity any day, and this appears to be something Cerekloth are good at.

The last song, "Touch of the Scythe" is probably my favorite and this EP's highlight. The intensity from the first song is present, except now with the addition of soloing, providing great contrast in that they're somewhat melodic and slowed down, considering the pace of the rest of the music. About halfway through, we're hit with a slower, doomy part and more melody; very powerful as it gives the EP an identity beyond your typical grind/death album. It even closes with a soft piano outro!

Bastard Priest - Merciless Insane Death (2008)

Genre: Punky Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 2008

1. Under the Hammer of Destruction
2. From Beyond
3. Merciless Insane Death
4. Graveyard Sacrifice
5. En Hälsning Från Helvetet (Bombanfall cover)

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Bold name, I know, but Bastard Priest serves to assert the boldness behind their 2008 demo entitled Merciless Insane Death. Hailing from Sweden, "primitive" is probably the most appropriate descriptor for this style of music. These guys don't give two shits about technicality or making their music unique through experimentation; no, Bastard Priest has set out to record some of the most raw and filthy death metal of this decade!

There is nothing about this demo that won't kick your ass. Everything from the production to the soloing is wildly chaotic and out of control, pushing the envelope, and tearing a warpath through everything standing in its way. Pure aggression is king, especially in the crusty punkish vocals. Not so much growled, but more yelled, bumping up the overall intensity a few notches. Nicely complementing the vocals are the drums and guitars, both lightning fast--even the riffing seems unnaturally sped up at points like toward the end of the title track. Still, there's the occasional slowed-down part, most likely to give the listener a chance to catch his breath, but those never last long, and we're back up to full speed, maniac solos throwing jabs and hooks left and right, not letting up until you're lying bruised and bloodied on the ground.

Emotion. You just don't get death metal these days with this sort of heart and desire to make such mutilating music. I see a bright future for Bastard Priest; let us raise our glasses to them!

FUN FACT: Blog post #200!

Lie in Ruins - Swallowed by the Void (2009)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Finland
Year: 2009

1. Descent (instrumental intro)
2. I'll Cast My Wrath
3. Crush the Holy
4. Abyss of Demons
5. The Serpent Coils
6. Art of Desecration
7. Damnation
8. Raging Fire
9. Swallowed by the Void
10. Bringer of Desolation

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I remember the hype surrounding this album when it was first announced and the artwork released. Lie in Ruins was promising something huge, and to spare you the anticipation, they sure as hell delivered. Swallowed By The Void is in every bit deserving of all the praise they've received with this massive success.

Opening with an eerie, atmospheric intro track, the groundwork is being laid for the rest of this crushing album with slow, steady build-up, leading to the dirty, gritty death metal to follow. A throwback to ways of old, yet with a slightly modern touch, the classic Finnish sound is present, with underlying Swedish influences in the chainsaw riffing style. Quick-paced, Swallowed by the Void is morose and sinister; the listener thrown deep into the thralls of darkness, left to fend for himself, the dark quickly closing in.

With a downright demonic sound, and throaty, raspy vocals, accompanied by a mix of fast and slow riffs, Lie in Ruins recreate that lost sound newer bands can't seem to replicate. Ferocious solos are thrown into many of the songs, further dragging the listener into a state of morbid chaos, weakening any hope to escape.

Ars Onirica - Utopia: A Winternight's Traveller (2004)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Italy
Year: 2004

1. Grey
2. Married in Death
3. Dellamorte Dellamore
4. Wounds

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Dunno where I stumbled across Ars Onirica; perhaps it was because I noticed one of their songs, "Dellamorte Dellamore" shared the same title as one of my favorite movies, but regardless, this really isn't a bad bit of modern metal!

Emphasis on the melody, the first song "Grey" opens with an acoustic intro, setting up the majestic atmosphere that's to follow. Calm and calculated metal with a few great vocal melodies, both harsh and clean, Ars Onirica delivers a breath of fresh air into Italy's metal scene with this release. It's a pity they split up, since this listener feels that they were well on their way.

Not entirely chill, this demo has its angry moments, but for the most part, Utopia keeps up a serene atmosphere. Those clean vocals might catch you off guard, but as long as you come into this demo not expecting anything like what's already on this blog, you'll find it very much enjoyable.

Graveless - Eternal Lies (1999)

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: Norway
Year: 1999

1. Eternal Lies
2. Nothing's Sacred
3. Morbid Visions
4. Tears From the Blind

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Wow! This is one hell of a lively and energetic recording, without intending to be! Some of the most emotional vocals saturate the music displayed here, and most likely, the first thing that stands out to the listener is the downright infectious and catchy vocal lines. The way they mesh perfectly with the music and induce foot-tapping is something otherworldly. I haven't had this much fun rocking out to a doomy Death Metal release in a long time. In addition to the harsh vocals are nonchalant, laidback clean vocals first displayed in "Nothing's Sacred" (one of this EP's highlights). They come out of nowhere, but fit so well, I often find myself throwing that short bit toward the latter half on repeat.

The very same melodic tinge is brought pack from the 1994 demo Portrait of Pain, mostly found in the short, but simple riffing style and occasional atmospheric guitar solo. For the most part, relatively upbeat and exciting, just a blast to listen to!

Graveless - Portrait of Pain (1994)

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: Norway
Year: 1994

1. Portrait of Pain
2. Sorrow
3. Demoniacal Possession
4. Evil Shades
5. Mind in Despair
6. Dying Thoughts

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A very unique band, I really can't say I've heard much of anything else like this. The recording's from 1994, but the style and energy displayed is from an entirely different time period... another reality somewhere out there.

Often quite melodic (even more so on the EP) without meaning to be, and a lot of this stuff is just straight up catchy; the kind of stuff that grabs your attention on the first listen, and never looks back, yet also never gets old or stagnant. Intoxicating riffs find their place spattered throughout, often a bit repetitive, but they're so good that it makes no difference! The vocals consist of a low rasp, which is changed on the EP. Great stuff!

Monasterial Crypt - Stárí (1999)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Czech Republic
Year: 1999

1. Odevzdávání (Intro)
2. Strach
3. Andìl
4. Sklenìné Vìže
5. Sen
6. Podzim a Stárí
7. Hloubka Skrytých Smyslù
8. Holotropie (Bonus)
9. Zapomenuté Bytí (Bonus)
10. Spálená Já (Bonus)
11. Zahrada Radosti a Smutku (Outro)

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How should I put this... this is a very, er, persistent release. Not that it's particularly fast-paced (hell, it's doom, yeah?), but the riffing style is sort of Hellenic in that it's very quick and up and down like a roller coaster. Difficult to explain.

The guitars seem to take a back seat in the mix, and as a whole, this album feels a bit thin. Still, that actually works for Monasterial Crypt, as it gives Stárí that detached feel that allows for the listener to "choose their own adventure", marveling over the guitars or vocals. Me? I prefer to find the best in both; I'm just saying it's possible to listen to this album a variety of ways (adding to replay value!).

Two types of vocals are employed: harsh, gurgling male and billowy, female sing-song vocals, both sung gorgeously in Czech, making this album hard to ignore. It continues to grow on me with every listen!

Funeral Vision - It... (1993)

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: Poland
Year: 1993

1. Slave
2. Immortal
3. Cain
4. Monster
5. Dark Muse

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More Poland! Top-notch guitar-oriented doomy Death Metal, with riffs out the ass, often melodic, sometimes depressive, while others upbeat and happy! A unique demo to say the least. Not much in the way of song structure, and often somewhat repetitive, but still an enjoyable listen.

Sinistrous Diabolus - Promo 2008 (2008)

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2008

1. Hollow Eyed
2. Necromantic
3. The Essence of Divinity Given to Abstractions of the Human Mind

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Risen from the ashes, Sinistrous Diabolus are back at it again, an entire 15 years after their release of Opus One. This is merely a promo and the tracks are considered "rough recordings" by the band, so hopefully this means we'll see something even better in the future!

Even if these tracks aren't completely mastered, you can tell right off the bat that nothing's changed in their hiatus. The first half of the first song "Hollow Eyed" morbidly depicts this with slow, droning funeral doom metal, then slowly erupts into a slightly faster-paced display of atmospheric, spacey death. Not much for vocals in this first song; we mostly get squeals, growls, and heavy, labored breathing, meshed with creepy keyboard overtones toward the end. This is the groundwork for awesomeness.

"Necromantic" is quickly becoming one of my favorite tunes, mainly for the sad, sorrowful, yet somehow lighthearted main riff/guitar lead. We first hear it at about 1:35, and I was instantly hooked. My only knock is that the song isn't long enough! This is a beautiful instrumental...

The final song is a great summation of the two previous songs, somewhat melodic, but also plodding and miserable. Still not much in terms of vocals, but for now, it's nearly perfect without 'em. I'm just amazed at how well this promo was structured, and I'm even more shocked at the potential for the next release by these New Zealanders. Holy shit. Wow. Recommended.

Sinistrous Diabolus - Opus One (1993)

Genre: Old School Doom/Death Metal
Country: New Zealand
Year: 1993

1. Sleep of the Damned
2. Wipe Out Christianity
3. Aeon Ended

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Seriously tortured, twisted stuff, Sinistrous Diabolus comes from New Zealand... not much metal comes out of there, but from the little I've listened to, it's been mostly positive! This is certainly no exception. Very slow, miserable-sounding, and painful. This demo is like pulling teeth. Except that you're the dentist from that cheesy movie The Dentist. You're some sort of sadist, hell-bent on revenge via infliction of pain in the absolute worst way possible, maniacally tearing teeth from a young child's mouth, forcibly removing the tongue from your helpless wife, all the while drilling viciously into the jaws of hapless patients, watching them writhe and squirm in unbearable pain... okay, that's enough of that! Must-see movie, btw.

But yeah, the music. Awesome. Sometimes gracing into Funeral Doom territory, but also lively (relatively speaking) at other times. The vocals absolutely slay, are completely inaudible, and sounds straight-up disgusting. Repulsive, even! Monumentally tortured music, very dark and foreboding, sure to satiate the morbid cravings in all of us. GET IT NOW!

Odium - Decay (2008)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Russia
Year: 2008

1. Decay
2. The Last Spring
3. Storm

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A relatively recent release, Odium have sprung up out of nowhere (read: Russia) with this incredibly well-polished demo of impressive melodic proportions. They've since changed their name to Inner Missing, and perhaps I'll throw their other EP up here sometime, but for now, I'm really into this one! Only three songs, but all fairly long and in-depth, displaying an artistic talent, full of life and energy. They've got a knack for coming up with infectious guitar leads and lethal melodies to keep the listener hooked all throughout

Lethargy - The Dark Embrace of Silence (1999)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Greece
Year: 1999

1. Celestial Tears
2. Spleen In The Morning Mist
3. Where The Wind Whispers Your Name
4. Under A Broken Moon
5. As My Soul Bewails
6. Veils Of Sorrow
7. These Bitter Words

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Greece is my new favorite country for music. Such talent coming in such small, unrecognized bursts! This is very melodic in that gorgeous melodies are employed regularly, giving this a very sophisticated and sorrowful sound. Catchy riffing meshes beautifully with both male and female vocals to create an atmospheric and majestic air about it. Moody and depressing in some respects, both harsh and clean vocal styles are utilized, and the operatic singing blends fantastically with the female operatics, complementing each other quite nicely, before dipping into doomy Death Metal chugging with harsh vocals. Great contrast throughout this album, with myriad instruments used, including, but not limited to, synths and flutes! Unique, to say the least, and a very engaging listen! Recommended!

Hatred Embraced - Demo (2009)

Note: Artwork unavailable

Genre: Death/Thrash Metal
Country: USA
Year: 2009

1. Descent into the Macabre
2. Interment of Divine Saviours

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Furious and pummeling, Hatred Embraced have risen from the boondocks of New Jersey (man, what's in NJ!? :b) with some deadly thrash-influenced Death Metal, ready to rip to shreds whoever's in their way.

Highly riff-oriented with a saturated production, this is very easy to listen to and fun to get into. The vocals are everywhere, and border a bit on the melodic side, but fitting very well with the guitar tone, giving these two tracks a balanced feel with a sense of direction! Great guitarwork with finetuned control. Unfortunately, this is only a short, albeit sweet sampler of what will surely be a promising future for these New Jersey metallers!

Necro-E - Assemblage of Emanated Embryo (1991)

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: Japan
Year: 1991

1. Beyond of the Gate (intro)
2. Oozing Child
3. Torture
4. Untamed Anathema
5. Unmerciful Mist
6. Hideous Carcass
7. Under Destruction
8. Shock on Intestines
9. Mass Murder
10. Boiling Gore
11. Assemblage of Emanated Embryo
12. Decaying the Rain (outro)

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Japan continues to impress! Here we have some absolutely devastating Doom/Death from 1991. As raw and underproduced as it gets, my speakers are having a hard time keeping from rumbling right off my desk! Very suffocating in sound, the heaviness just pulls you in and constantly implodes your eardrums, while the demonic, raspy vocals claw and tear at your soul! Fun! Not much more to say other than this is plain old raw, simplified Death Metal played the way it was meant to be.

Note: this copy includes their first demo, Oozing Child (which I believe are the first three tracks). Metal Archives incorrectly has Beginning of the Death as their first demo with 11 tracks, when in reality, Beginning of Death was merely a promo, and only contained ONE track. Not sure who in the hell came up with those other tracks, but whatever. Enjoy!

Whispering Tears - Carmina Lacrimosa (2001)

Genre: Atmospheric Death Metal
Country: France
Year: 2001

1. Carmen Lacrimae
2. Whispering Tears
3. E(vil)charistia
4. Complainte of the Ames Écorchées
5. My Beloved Corpse
6. Until Death Do Us Unite
7. The Dark Hours
8. Die Versuchung Der Tranen (The Temptation of the Tears)

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There's something about France. I dunno, those pompous bastards seem to think they're better than everybody else, and this album is no exception! Not to say that's a bad thing at all, of course. Bordering more on the symphonic side, Whispering Tears's debut has a sophisticated and deliberated air about it, very majestic and almost, dare I say, beautiful? However, in stark contrast, the guitars are mainly jagged and crunchy, relying heavily on tremolo picking, while bizarre acoustics saturate the background, with myriad instruments all finding a place in this interesting album. There's occasional synthesizer use, as well as melancholic clean vocals mixed side by side with harsh growls to further mold that atmosphere of intrigue. Most of the songs are relatively long in length (the longest at eight minutes), giving this release a progressive and winding structure. The album finishes off with what appears to be a tribute to Mozart, "The Temptation of Tears".

Absence of Dawn - And the Sun is Fading... (1996)

Genre: Atmospheric Doom/Death Metal
Country: Greece
Year: 1996

1. Nature Drops
2. Sky Pain
3. Wind Flower
4. And the Sun is Fading...

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Greece seems to have a nasty habit of restricting the creative genius of many young bands! Damn military... but that's a story for another time. Here we have a lone demo from 1996 by an unknown band that plays a slow-paced, melodic type of doomy death metal. There's not much in terms of pacing or drumming, but the atmosphere and imagery evoked is exactly that of the demo title: And the Sun is Fading... Most of the time, a simple riff is utilized throughout an entire song, and not much is varied in terms of song structure. So why am I posting this here? For some reason, this demo holds my interest. On paper, it sounds like it shouldn't, but just enough melody is used to create a depressing atmosphere and can sound like a fantastic demo if in the right mood. The production wears a bit thin at times and the vocals sometimes aren't the best, but despite all these flaws, this sounds GOOD. Nothing more to it. Would absolutely love to hear this remastered or even re-recorded with some heavier-tuned instruments.

Carrion of Torrent - Inituum Calamitatis Regni (1993)

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: Poland
Year: 1993

1. Intro
2. Grieving the Sunset
3. Slaves your Oblivion
4. Inituum Calamitatis Regni
5. Awareness of Death
6. The Purple Clouds
7. Obled
8. In the Land of Lost Hope
9. Divide et Impera
10. Infinity Lightness
11. Obsession in Your Mind
12. Carrion of Torrent
13. Outro - The End of Eternity

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If you know me through Last.fm or anything, you'll know that I was blasting these guys a lot during October, bur for whatever reason, didn't get around to posting until now. This demo is something special; a lot of the demos I post here are amazing, but there's nothing to draw me back again and again, yet Carrion of Torrent have that pull factor, the intangible grip that holds you tight, and won't let go. Even when you manage to escape, that infectious main riff of the title track comes peering from the darkness, sucking you right back in. Carrion of Torrent are quickly working their way up to my top artists solely because they keep coming back. Or, rather, I keep going back to them. By no means a well-known band, and they certainly didn't last long, but this massive effort will forever be etched in time, understood by few, but appreciated tenfold.

I should start by saying they have sound strikingly similar to Varathron. Sure, Carrion of Torrent is from Poland, but they have that hot, sweaty, Hellenic Greek feel. The riffing style is very simplistic, but infinitely effective, and combined with the harsh almost-gutturals, makes for a sound that clouds your thoughts, envelops you entirely, leaving the ol' mind completely blown. Even during the mini interludes, as seen toward the latter half of this lengthy demo, I'm still left in rapt attention, reflecting on the awe these Poles have left behind. Definitely a demo for the ages, and recommended like no other.

Engraved - Before the Tales (1994)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1994

1. Winter Sleep
2. Shores Of Despair (A Storm, pt. II)
3. Calm And Crimson

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I don't know if it's because I've become jaded of late or what, but I've been hard-pressed for some GOOD music recently. It's bands like Engraved that, well, they keep me young. It's incredibly rare for me to come across a band displaying such a youthful, invigorating energy as this one. Believe me, I search high and low all over the damned place seeking out the best of the best, and I can recommend you Before the Tales with the utmost confidence that you will enjoy it.

Only three songs, but each of them delivers such an emotional punch, I'm left on my knees, entirely at its mercy, wondering where the hell they disappeared to! I want more! Often times very melodic with powerful guitar solos and upbeat riffing, this definitely borders more on "happy" Death Metal, if such a thing exists. Each and every song is in itself a highlight, a masterpiece. I haven't regarded a demo this highly in a while, since Depression (Rus), so you'd be doing yourself a disservice not to grab this while it's hot.

Shallow Rivers - Water Awakes (2009)

Genre: Atmospheric Doom/Death Metal
Country: Russia
Year: 2009

1. Water Awakes
2. For My Beloved
3. Echoes Of the Fall

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I know I've been lazy lately, but don't think I've forgotten about the 2009 releases! This is the first demo from a very promising Russian band who plays a unique brand of laid-back Doom Metal with a hint of Death and a lot of atmosphere. Doesn't exactly fit in with the rest of the material here, but I figured a few of you would be interested. Both male and female vocals are used, alternating grunts and flowing operatics, meshed with a prominent use of keyboards make this an engaging listen, one that will hold your attention to the very end, despite the long song lengths and monotonous, depressive feel of this release. Not sure whether to categorize this has happy or sad, but it certainly does evoke some sort of emotional response within me, which is more than I can say for a lot of music out there! Nab this, you won't be disappointed.

Sarcastic Existence - Judgement of the Dead (1992)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Switzerland
Year: 1992

1. Intro/Senseless War
2. Tombs of Terror
3. Brain Devastation
4. Extreme Living Conditions
5. Die Schmuzige Hand am WC-Fenster
6. Ott Laughed (We Cried...)

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Not sure where I dug this one up; I was just roaming through my library one day and came across this, gave it a listen and was blown away. The first thing that struck me was the brilliant use of over-the-top riffing. Some of these leads are so gosh darn catchy it's too much! Most of it is very fast-paced, and while MA lists them as Death/Thrash, I can't say I agree, since this is much darker and full of that bitter hatred Thrash could never achieve.

Excellent drumming, and upon random inspection, I noticed that Peter Ott was the drummer! I had been in contact with this guy a few months back about a few things and had no idea he was the drummer in such an obscure Swiss band! Hell, he's from Germany I think. Great guy, with an absolutely MASSIVE collection, so if you'd like contact info, I'm sure he'd be delighted to hear from you.

"Tombs of Terror" is probably the highlight of this demo--it's also the longest and most involved, ranging in elements from slow, plodding doom to rapid, cutting Death Metal of the intensest degree. Expect fantastic solos and riffing that keeps beating you down into the ground! Recommended!

Gilgamesh - Demo 1 '95 (1995)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Mexico
Year: 1995

1. Narcolepsia
2. El Exilio
3. Plegaria
4. Ruptura

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Mexico's first all-female Death Metal band, Gilgamesh made a tiny splash back in 1995 with their release of a lone four-track demo. I'm not quite sure what direction these guys girls are heading, but it's somewhere between the two extremes of doom and grind. Often times, the listener is subject to painfully slow, entrancing riffing, while others we're hit with a nonstop barrage of feminine brutality. The riffing is very well done and distinctly prominent, giving this demo a unique edge (quite literally!) making it a short, but enjoyable listen all around. If I didn't know a chick was doing the vocals, I would have thought they were the gutturals of a male vocalist. This demo is ridiculously heavy and hard-hitting for a trio of women, and it's a shame they weren't able to put out more material! Sure, we've got Oxidised Razor, but they kinda suck, so...

Demented Ted - Promises Impure (1993)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 1993

1. Existence Lies Beneath
2. Despair
3. Psychopathology
4. Incisions
5. Liquid Remains
6. Geneticide
7. Between Two Eternities
8. Forgotten

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Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Demented Ted play a chunky, technical-sounding style of animated Death Metal. I wouldn't call this melodic at all, but there's a certain... feel to it. Don't want to say "catchy", but there's something about the riffing that is absolutely delicious. I haven't listened to Death in years, but if I remember correctly, these guys have their moments with cascading riffs reminiscent of later Death. I could be wrong, but who cares, this is some quality obscure Death Metal that more people need to know about!

Sarcophagy - Live at Jerilee's 9/25/09 (2009)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 2009

1. Live at Jerilee's

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Reunited at last! The first live show Sarcophagy has played since they reformed earlier this year (June) and it is fantastic! Nothing has changed since the old days, and this is one of the best live shows I have ever heard! The sound quality is really good, since each track was professionally recorded separately, then mashed together into one 35 minute track. It's been through multiple mixes (this is number four), so expect very good sound and production. Several songs are played from both demos, as well as new songs like "Truncate the Pedophile", along with an old track "Spoiled" that was one of four songs written back when they were still together, but never had a chance to record. These four songs are going to be relearned and recorded for a full-length that should be due out next summer some time. That's if they get around to writing a few more songs.

Definitely give this a dedicated listen, as the commentary from the band to the audience reveals a lot about who they are (how cool they are), the new band members, and their plans for the future. Not to mention the fuckin' rockin' music!

Sarcophagy - Cut to Pieces (1995)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 1995

1. Onset Of Torture
2. Cut To Pieces
3. The Summoning
4. Grisly Homicidal Butchery

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Sarcophagy was never one to let themselves be ruled by one style of music! They liked to change things up a bit, and that's exactly what we're given with Cut to Pieces: another way to make excellent Death Metal! The guitar tone is a little more subdued on this release, which complements the more dark and doomy parts on some of these songs. "Cut to Pieces" sometimes slows down to just a few beats per minute, painfully slow, but at the same time so satisfying; enough to bring a sadistic grin to your face. The same vocals are used, although the grunts are used more frequently than the rasps, once again fitting in nicely with the plodding dooooooom. A crushing demo. These guys need much more attention, so download and enjoy!

Sarcophagy - Hunger Pains (1993)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 1993

1. Blood Soaked
2. Motion Sickness
3. Soul Searcher
4. Mass Burial

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Sarcophagy was one of those bands back in the day who didn't give a fuck what the current scene sounded like and were limited only by their imagination (band said so itself) to create some of the best Death Metal out there. Hunger Pains was their first demo, and a magnificent start to a career that ended all too shortly. Thankfully, they have reformed with a couple new members and are ready to tear shit up again!

Mid to fast-paced, this is some out-of-the-box Death Metal that is not only creative, but devastating. There are several vocals styles present, ranging from deep, harsh grunts to raspy hissing growls, depending on the mood of the song. "Blood Soaked" is a slower-paced serial killer song, with the vocals and riffing to fit. Probably one of my favorites, and is also one of the band's favorite songs! The riffing and solos on all these songs are deliberately planned and thought out, solidifying their plan of attack. Amazing stuff, and completely undeserving of the lack of attention received! Recommended.