"Organic Hallucinosis"

Decapitated - "Organic Hallucinosis"

February 7, 2006

Producer(s): Decapitated

    
     Usually when a band member departs from a group, there is a trace of “bad blood,” or hard feelings to some degree. One of the rarest things you will ever come across in the world of music, is the departing member going through the trouble of finding a suitable replacement for himself, further helping the band he is leaving. Well, that was the case for the Polish Death Metal group: Decapitated. When their long-time vocalist Sauron decided to put down the microphone for the final time because of escalating health problems and a new found enthusiasm for taking his musical talents in a different direction.

     Before he left, Sauron introduced the band to a good friend of his who goes by the name, Covan. The chemistry was there and it wasn't long before Decapitated started putting pen to paper, constructing music for their fourth studio offering: "Organic Hallucinosis," released in 2006.

     When they first broke into the scene in the late 90's, Decapitated were noticed right away for a couple of different reasons. First, for their very technical playing abilities and second, for the extremely young age of the band. In fact, when they recorded their debut album in the year 2000, the oldest member of the group was guitarist (and main songwriter): Vogg, who was nineteen at the time. Furthermore, they were composing (and putting together) music that some longtime musicians could only dream of writing. They have only gotten better since their debut release and it shows immensely throughout "Organic Hallucinosis."

     Containing the same elements of their previous albums keeping up the same velocity and energy, "Organic Hallucinosis" takes on those same elements and multiplies them by a thousand. With this record being the measuring stick of all their material to date, guitarist Vogg's skills are taken to a whole new level of brilliance.

     While still maintaining his own unique brutal writing style which is easily identifiable among fans of the genre, Vogg (and the rest of the band for that matter), have started to incorporate poly-rhythms into their writing. Poly-rhythm, for those who may not be familiar with the term, is the occurrence of two or more different rhythms being played simultaneously. Just check out the tracks: "Visual Delusion," "Day 69," and my personal favorite tune off the album, "Post(?) Organic" to see them executed flawlessly.

     While this record throws plenty of ploy-rhythmic ideas around, Decapitated have not forgotten what brought them to the table. This record still contains material which is technical in nature, but is easier for one's internal metronome to follow. Tracks like "Flash-B(l)ack," and "Revelation of Existence (The Trip)" are perfect examples that show off the "old-school" sound of Decapitated, while at the same time still flirts with the ideas and concepts of poly-rhythm.

     It's a shame that this masterpiece is only thirty-two minutes long. However, it is a half-hour of music that at times seems to defy the laws of human nature due to how fast and accurate our external limbs can actually perform. "Organic Hallucinosis" is a must have for every die-hard death metal fan out there. It is an album which has reminded me why I started listening to death metal in the first place, and you truly have to hear it to believe it.

     My Killer Kutz: "Post(?) Organic," "Invisible Control," and "Visual Delusion."

"Helping The World To See"

Vehemence - "Helping The World To See"
April 6, 2004
Producer(s): Will Solares & Vehemence

     At a time when Death Metal was going through more-or-less of a dry-spell, other genres of metal, like Metalcore, were starting to gain more attention. Some of the newer Death Metal acts might have been tempted to alter their sound to gain some recognition. I don't know about the other bands, but I know for a fact that Vehemence did not give up on their quest to write (and execute) some of the most brutal Death Metal around. They showed us with their third studio album, 2004's: "Helping The World To See," that they are a Death Metal group and will not settle for anything less.

     It is quite easy to see that producer Will Solares, along with the rest of the band sitting at the soundboards, have built one of the biggest and baddest sounding Death Metal releases of the last decade. Vehemence at this point have truly outdone themselves.

     With this record, the Phoenix quintet continue to develop and perfect their take on Melodic Death Metal. Main songwriter and guitarist Bjorn Dannov wrote the majority of this record musically. He clearly is the more mature musician of the group, and in my eyes all the songs he penned display a stronger sense of melody.

     Yes, his songs are still very aggressive and brutal, but you can however, feel different emotions within his tunes. All contain very distinctive riffing patterns and melodies that are sorrowful, yet sinister at the same time. Tunes like "You Don't Have To Be Afraid Anymore," "Kill For God," and the very atmospheric, "Alone In Your Presence" are the ones that come to mind first when trying to show Bjorn's vastly improving writing skills.

     Now that is not to take away from the skills of Vehemence's second guitarist, John Chavez. The biggest difference in the songs in which John wrote, are his strengths in rhythm. While it is true that the songs he penned contain some very nice lead-work, it is the driving rhythms of his tunes that will be remembered, rather than the melody hooks, in my opinion. Simply look at the tracks: "What Could Go Wrong," and "Spirit of The Soldier" to see what I am trying to get at.

     Vehemence could not have picked a better title for this record, the lyrical content of "Helping The World To See" does exactly that. Tackling subjects from televangelists in "Trinity Broadcasting (Know Your Enemy)," religion fanaticism in "Kill For God," our military becoming desensitized to violence in "Spirit of The Soldier," to the idea that the politicians that are in control of this world will be the death of all of us if something does not change in "We Are All Dying."

     While not every single one of the songs on this record are about major social issues in our society, they are songs that take a look into our society from a different angle, writing from a perspective in which we constantly ignore: that of the victim. On this album, the darker side of human nature is explored extensively, and while these lyrics are fictitious in nature, they can all identify with real life tragedies or misfortunes that have happened in recent history. "Helping The World To See" is an album that does exactly that, only if your willing to open your eyes a little wider and start asking questions rather than just taking the given answers.

     It came as a surprise that by the end of 2005, Vehemence dissolved right before our eyes with most members becoming involved with different projects (most noticeably three of the members forming the Black Metal group Abigail Williams). However, in late 2007 the band decided to reform with guitarist Kyle Moeller taking the place of John Chavez. They have been plugging away ever since.

     In early 2010, Kyle Moeller decided to leave the band. He would be replaced by guitarist Jake Green. The band has progressed very slowly since "Helping The World To See" was released in 2004 (now seven years ago), however they are now currently at work writing new material. We as fans can only hope that the next record will pick up right where they left off.

 

     My Killer Kutz: "You Don't Have To Be Afraid Anymore," "What Could Go Wrong?" & "Trinity Broadcasting (Know Your Enemy)."

"Something Wicked This Way Comes"

Iced Earth - "Something Wicked This Way Comes"
July 7, 1998
Producer: Jim Morris

    Iced Earth is a band that have suffered many line-up changes through the years. To the point where band founder, guitarist Jon Schaffer, is the only orginial remaining member left. So in a sense Jon really IS Iced Earth. However, he has always been in good company with very talented musicians that have come and gone in Iced Earth's 25-year history. In 1998 Jon and Iced Earth released what many fans consider to be their best work to date. Their fifth studio offering: "Something Wicked This Way Comes."
  
    On this record Jon is accompined by: Long time front-man and co-songwriter vocalist Matt Barlow. Handling bass duties and having a song-writing credit himself on the record is James MacDonough. This would also be the debut album for guitarist Larry Tarnowski, handling all the leads. Finally, main time keeper Mark Prator makes his return behind the drum-set recording his second consecutive and final album with the group.
  
     Iced Earth have always been a difficult band to identify one sound with. Having very cut-throat aggressive riffs and constant double bass drumming throughout a lot of their material, some would suggest they are a Thrash Metal band. However, Iced Earth is also known for their strong vocal melodies as well as their very heartfelt lead sections. Containing some lyrical content that some would say isn't thrash metal worthy but would rather fall under the banner of Power Metal. The reason I'm telling you all this is because "Something Wicked This Way Comes" is nothing short of a balancing act.
  
     This is one of their most compelling albums lyrically. This record could almost be a semi-concept album as most tracks contain lyrics centering around various aspects of religion and faith.
  
     Looking through the eyes of the Holy Martyr himself in the track "Melancholy." To grappling the idea of their being no Holy Martyr to begin with in the tune "Stand Alone." Coming to the conclusion you are your own maker with the cut "My Own Savior." To dealing with the loss of a loved one who becomes your guardian angel in the song "Watching Over Me." This album contains these tracks and more that show while Faith is a good belief, it shows in my eyes that it's something best kept to yourself as it is something many people will manipulate and take advantage of if given the chance.
  
     When listening to this album in it's entirety it is almost 'bi-polar' to give it a term. As it seems every second song is of a more melodic nature furthermore shows more of a Power Metal influence. Songs like "Watching Over Me," "Blessed Are You" and "Melancholy" showcase that side of the band rather well.
  
     While on the flip side of the coin, all the odd numbered tracks of the record seem to be of a heavier and faster nature. Furthermore putting on display they know how to thrash rather well. Tunes like "Stand Alone," "Burning Times" and "Disciples of The Lie" are very prime examples showing their thrash heritage.
  
     However, that formula of sorts comes to an end at the start of the last three tracks on the record. Composing of the "Something Wicked Trilogy," on these tracks the musicianship is stepped up a notch above the rest of the album. Showcasing plenty of technical composing and more unconventional song structures, the light is truly shining bright as this is one of the group's finest hours. Displaying their abilities to mash their Power influences into their Thrash influences and vice-versa flawlessly. The tracks that form this trilogy are titled: "Prophecy," "Birth of The Wicked" and my favorite cut from the album "The Coming Curse."
  
     On a side note the "Something Wicked Trilogy" is what laid the groundwork for Iced Earth's eighth and ninth records released in 2008 and 2009 respectively. The concept albums titled: "Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked Pt. 1" and "The Crucible of Man: Something Wicked Pt. 2."
  
     Despite the consistency of one stable complete line-up for a significant period of time, Jon Schaffer and company deliver one of the best pure Heavy Metal albums of the late 90's. Containing riffs that are headbanging and air-guitar worthy, a top notch vocal performance with lyrics that will give comfort to anyone struggling with faith, giving some good pros but very realistic cons along the way. With lots of interesting stick-work that moves the record along at a glorious pace, this collection of music totaling sixty-one minutes will be over before you know it.
  
     While this may not be my personal favorite Iced Earth release, I encourage all new coming fans of the group to pick this record up. As it shows all on one release what this band is truly all about.

     My Killer Kutz: "The Coming Curse," "Watching Over Me" & "Consequences"

"Sanctify The Darkness"

Suicidal Angels - "Sanctify The Darkness"
January 12, 2010
Producer: R.D Liapakis   
   
     It always brings a smile to my face when I hear band nail the exact sound they are looking for. You may ask how can I know this without knowing the band personally? Well, the answer isn't exactly the easiest thing to explain, but what it comes down to is basically this: you can truly feel the record in your bones, rather than just your ears. It is the subliminal confidence the band gives off with each track, showing they are truly one unit that isn't second guessing what they want to play, and how they know the exact direction they want their music to take, stopping at nothing until they get exactly what they want. Greek Thrash Metal quartet, Suicidal Angels did exactly that with their second studio offering: 2010's "Sanctify The Darkness."

     This is the first up and coming Thrash band to grab my attention in quite some time. In my opinion, Suicidal Angels is going to be the next 'big deal' in the thrash music world and the Suicidal Angels are nothing short of a well-oiled machine. They have a classic, old-school thrash sound that every fan of the genre will immediately identify with. Every track on the record contains no shortage of razor-sharp riffs with insane tempo-changes that will keep your head grooving through its entire thirty-eight minutes. What I love most about this group though, is that they remind of three bands that I love dearly, all rolled into one.

     The production of the record is a bit more polished and clean with a somewhat stronger sense of melody, which compares to more recent Kreator releases. You can hear this in tracks such as: "Bloodthirsty" and my personal favorite cut off the album, "Apokathilosis." The extremely high-velocity chugging riffs, laced over with strong Anti-Christian lyrical themes is a very strong nod to Slayer tunes such as: "The Pestilence of Saints," "Atheist," and "Beyond The Laws of Church," showcase this rather well. Finally, the very rapid-fire raspy vocal performance on the entire album personally reminds me of Angelripper, who is the front-man of
legendary German Thrash-act, Sodom.

     In my eyes, Suicidal Angels are an extremely promising group on the rise. The only 'complaint' I have ever heard about their music is the fact that some tend to think the band is 'too in control' of themselves. In other words, some believe the band is not playing at the very brink of their own abilities, therefore causing some to think Suicidal Angels might not not be giving us everything they have. I do not see this as an issue because of what I previously said at the start of this review. To sum it up, this record basically reeks of confidence and absolution. This collection of music is exactly the way Suicidal Angels intended for you to hear their sound, and I doubt they wouldn't settle for anything less.

     I personally think that a few years down the road, after Suicidal Angels adds more records to their discography, people will look back and realize that "Sanctify The Darkness" was the album where this band really came into their own. This compilation of music will become the record that aspiring thrash metal bands of the future will listen to, realizing that is the: sound, atmosphere, and attitude they want to capture.

     My Killer Kutz: "Apokathilosis," "The Pestilence of Saints" and "Atheist."

"The Epigenesis"

 Melechesh - "The Epigenesis"
October 27, 2010 (North America Release Date)
Producer: Ashmedi

    Despite what the mainstream thinks, whether they like it or not Heavy Metal is a worldwide phenomenon that reaches beyond the North American culture. In fact a good majority of the artists I listen to on a regular basis are not from North America at all. However, in my wildest dreams I never thought I'd see the day where one of my favorite musical acts can call Jerusalem home. Well, there is a first time for everything. The band is named Melechesh and they have been pumping out tunes since 1993.
    It was by chance that I stumbled upon their music one day last week as I heard a track from their newest offering 2010's "The Epigenesis". I was hooked immediately and not three days later I found myself putting this Godsend of an album into my cd player.
    Right away I knew this band was going to be something special. As they managed to capture a Black Metal sound that would draw new listeners to them. There ultimate goal however, was to bring their Middle Eastern influences into the fold both musically and lyrically. Therefore to give them a truly unique atmosphere and attitude towards their music and really be a band to stick out from the norm. The band themselves coined the term "Mesopotamian Metal" to best describe their sound.
    I figured this out right away while listening to the first track on the album titled "Ghouls of Nineveh" A song that follows the same riff for the most part, but the undertones and over all melody of the tune get the point across that many Middle Eastern themes are going to play a significant role on this record.
    Melechesh didn't prove me wrong. Just check out the track "Sacred Geometry". It is easily one of the most powerful tunes off the record. This song has no shortage of catchy riffs and melodies and if you couldn't hear the Midden Eastern influences before you shouldn't be able to miss them on this track, as they are front row and center with this tune.
    Then you have the album's centerpiece so to speak. The 12-minute title track "The Epigenesis". With this track while still showing off the Mid-Eastern melodies and influences throughout. This tune in general shows-off how talented main songwriter Ashmedi really is. There are not many guitarists that could take a single riff and play it continuously over a three and a half minute period and keep that same riff just as interesting and fresh sounding as when first introduced. Ashmedi accomplishes this feat effortlessly in my book as I didn't even notice how much time had passed before the song shifted gears.
    One more thing that needs to mentioned is the two instrumental tracks on this record. Both "When Halos of Candles Collide" and "A Greater Chain of Being" Display Melechesh's musical abilities far beyond the realms of guitar, bass and drums. Both songs showcase the band's writing abilities on Middle Eastern instruments such as the sitar, the Indian sitar, bag-lama saz and the bindir, with very traditional sounding percussion backing both tracks. The only way I can describe these songs are is they are simply euphoric pieces of music that relive your body and mind of stress for the 7 minutes both tracks roughly last.
    If you are ever looking to further stretch your own personal musical boundaries. I highly suggest you give these guys 71 minutes of your day and listen to the whole album. Just listening to one or two tracks alone won't give you the full effect of how mind blowing this album really is. If your already a fan of Nile and Mastodon you would probably highly respect what their music has to offer.
    "The Epigenesis" is the type of album that will take you on a musical journey you will never forget.
My Killer Kutz: "The Epigenesis", "Sacred Geometry" & "Mystics of The Pillar"

"Majesty And Decay"

Immolation - "Majesty And Decay"
March 9, 2010
Producer: Paul Orifino

    In every genre of music there is a band that is extremely talented but somehow are not mentioned along with most of their fellow peers on a regular basis. Maybe it's just where I'm located in this world, but in and around my hometown Death Metal Giants Immolation fit that docket perfectly. Even after the release of their 8th studio album: 2010's "Majesty And Decay".
    Immolation sometimes comes under fire because the band is comfortable in treading the waters they have already established in their music. In other words, some fans get displeased because they think Immolation's music isn't growing, furthermore are happy with making the same record again and again.
    However, the band does have an extremely recognizable sound that stands above your average Death Metal group. Immolation is known for their music consisting of: Complex hyper-extended riffs that sound amazing to the musically inclined, but leave  others searching for the first down beat of the measure. Mixed with their very gloomy and agonizing atmosphere that drag their listeners along rather than carrying them. Immolation needless to say has found a niche of their own and try to flourish it more and more with each record. Which is something I don't have a problem with.
    That being said, "Majesty And Decay" is an album that fits the best of both worlds for long time followers of the New York quartet. As it contains the raw unforgiving relentless sound of the early records. It melds very nicely with the more mature, complex signature sound of Immolation we have all grown to love. You can take tracks like "A Token of Malice", "The Purge" plus the title track and you can feel the roots of the earlier material. Then you can take cuts like "The Rapture of Ghosts", "In Human Form" and "The Comfort of Cowards" and hear Immolation do so flawlessly what other bands would sacrifice one of their own members for. Playing such disjointing riffs, along with leads that are broken, yet mesmerizing, that your internal metronome can only struggle to keep on par with!.
    Production wise this is their best album yet. Producer Paul Orifino really made sure on this record that the drums had a life of their own, not just blending in behind the guitars and vocals like on some of their earlier releases. While this record isn't their most technical, I personally feel this is their best album to date. The clarity of the production clearly shows-off all the band's different  strengths and shows why they are highly respected by most Death Metal devouts, including myself. Furthermore showing why they have been a force to be reckoned with since their debut album "Dawn of Possession" which was released 20 years ago in 1991.
    In closing, I encourage all fans of the the Death Metal genre to check out Immolation if you havent done so yet, furthermore a good place to start is with "Majesty And Decay". As it shows a little bit of everything the band has to offer, easily one of the strongest Death Metal releases of 2010. An album that will only gain more praise in my eyes anyway, in the years to come.
My Killer Kutz: "The Rapture of Ghosts", "Power And Shame" & "Divine Code"

"Bloodthirst"

Cannibal Corpse - "Bloodthirst"
October 19, 1999
Producer: Colin Richardson

    Change is necessary for a band to evolve whether the results are bad or good. Up to 1999 Cannibal Corpse's 'home away from home' so to speak was the now legendary Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida. Also in this time frame Cannibal Corpse had worked with only two different producers up to this point. The legendary Scott Burns (who played a major role in the development of Death Metal sitting at the throne of the soundboards) and the very talented Jim Morris. It seems the theme of 1999 was 'change' for the Death Metal Kings. The results gave us their 7th studio offering: "Bloodthirst".
    Packing their bags and heading west, Cannibal was headed to Village Productions in the small border-town of Tornillo, Texas. Where they would begin their working relationship with  renowned producer Colin Richardson, who has worked with dozens of different metal groups around the world. Including the group Carcass on their record "Heartwork",  which is arguably the first Melodic Death Metal record ever recorded. Excited by the new face at the soundboards and their completely new surroundings, they began to write.
    On their previous record 1998's "Gallery of Suicide" with the addition of guitarist Pat  O'Brien coming to the fold and the always improving skills of lead songwriter bassist Alex Webster. The band's music was gaining a more technical edge.
     With "Bloodthirst" this trend continues to the delight of myself and all the Cannibal fans I know personally. Songs like "Dead Human Collection", "Coffinfeeder" and "Ecstacy In Decay" showcase the band's ever improving mastery and maturity of their instruments. While tracks like "Pounded Into Dust", "Blowtorch Slaughter" and "Raped By The Beast" still show the band remembers what brought them to the masses.
    The band didn't make a mistake deciding to work with Colin Richardson, as he complimented their sound beyond expectations. The results, "Bloodthist" is their heaviest set of tunes since 1992's  "Tomb of The Mutilated", a feat at the time most fans didn't deem possible.
    While some things change, others will always remain the same. While the evolving musicianship and songwriting carries them to new horizons, they will always remain one of the heaviest and brutal bands metal has to offer. "Bloodthirst" is another priceless release by the group. Pick this record up, it will indeed quench your Death Metal "thirst".
My Killer Kutz: "Hacksaw Decapitation", "Dead Human Collection" & "The Spine Splitter"