Artist: Cannibal Corpse
Label: Metal Blade
Release Date: 10/19/99
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Title: Bloodthirst Artist: Cannibal Corpse Label: Metal Blade Release Date: 10/19/99 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Go to Reader Reviews | ||
Abyss's Review:
Cannibal Corpse's latest death platter, from the outside, is what most of us have come to expect: a rather grotesque vista that will most likely never find its way into the local Walmart. But, when one gets into listening to the meat of this record, there are definite progressions away from the Corpse that we've always known. Although I like this band, I've never considered myself a huge fan. The only album they came out with that I found myself listening to with any regularity was The Bleeding, and I centered my attention on only a handful of songs on that release. Then many critics and fans alike began expressing doubt as to whether the death genre had anything more to say. The explosion of death metal acts in the early to mid-nineties seemed to dilute the whole genre, and I must admit I was one of the detractors. I thought that Cannibal Corpse, while being one of the best remaining in the genre, had already made their statement and were inclined to continue along the same lines.
"A grotesque vista that will most likely never find its way into the local Walmart." This new release, however, shows an initiative that was lacking in their previous two efforts. While those albums were by no means without merit, they never bit their teeth into me and dragged me into their world. Now, in the post black metal period, death metal has proved itself to be an enduring musical force, continuously redefining itself while maintaining the brutality that its legions demand. Corpse is right back in the fray with this release. Production values have been improved drastically, as Colin Richardson has made sure that the indistinguishable soup of distortion that can wreck one of these records never rears its ugly head. Fisher's vocals are a little clearer than on Gallery, and he seems more inclined to experiment with different vocal growls in a way he hasn't before. (I believe his vocals on this release to be superior to his predecessor's on the new Six Feet Under). The riffs are nothing short of fantastic, head-banging whirlwinds of hook. A good job was done to maintain brutality, while allowing tempo changes and grooves reminiscent of eighties thrash. There are points in this album, even if you despise death metal, where you just can't help banging your head. The drumming is excellent as well, but let's face it, if you don't have a good drummer, you don't really have a death metal band. Standout tracks include "Pounded Into Dust," "Coffinfeeder" and "Ecstasy in Decay." Put this one down as a pleasant surprise, and one that converted me into a fan.
Death's Review:
Trends come and go within the heavy metal scene. Some would say that bands like Cannibal Corpse had their day years ago, when Tampa, not Norway, was the center of the metal universe. But after so many years of black metal or new metal standing in the spotlight, I'd rather kids today spend their time listening to good old-fashioned American death metal, than sit in their room painting their faces white or hopping around in jump suits. Sometimes a good pummeling is just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes, we all need to get "Pounded Into Dust!"
You gotta love the Corpse. Even in 1999, it's all about the riffs, baby! Sick-ass riffage over fast and intricate drumming and some Corpsegrinder barking is not really something I can ever see myself truly taking issue with. Check out the slower, double-bass pounding at the end of "Raped by the Beast." PURE METAL. Guitars, bass, two bass drums and vocals. The way metal was meant to be played.
"I'd rather kids today spend their time listening to good old-fashioned American death metal, than sit in their room painting their faces white or hopping around in jump suits." If you're looking for "atmosphere," or for pointlessly arty keyboard layering, look elsewhere. If you're looking for frilly little costumes, weird face paint and dramatically "evil" lighting, you've got the wrong band. But if you are looking for brutal metal riffing and even the occasional bouts of technicality (anyone else think parts of "Hacksaw Decapitation" or "Sickening Metamorphosis" sound like Pat O'Brien hasn't strayed too far from Nevermore?), check out Bloodthirst.
Before I conclude, I must say a word about the fine production by Colin Richardson. It didn't strike me at first, but then I listened to Vile and Bloodthirst back-to-back. Production-wise, Vile is clearly the inferior work. The clarity and precision exhibited in this mix is outstanding. Bravo.
"To feed the need when you're "surrounded by digust!," I recommend you purchase Bloodthirst." Of course, it's only death metal. And music like this has its limitations. But sometimes, I'm in the mood for a band that sounds a certain way. Sometimes, I want to hear Cannibal Corpse. And to feed the need when you're "surrounded by digust!," I recommend you purchase Bloodthirst.
Hel's Review:
Bloodthirst, the latest effort from Cannibal Corpse, is an album filled to the brim with metal mayhem. Each song has energy and intensity. There is riffage galore, heavy double bass, and the eternally heavy "Corpsegrinder" on vocals. What more could you want?
Highlights: everything? I think it may be true. Let's just pick a couple to use as examples. "The Spine Splitter"- instantly fast and heavy. There's no nicey-nice intro or any of that crap, just killer momentum from second one. Can they play faster? Listen on. "Raped by the Beast"- faster, and faster, and faster.
"This is not an album to listen to lightly. It deserves many spins on your CD player." "Coffinfeeder"- this may very well be my favorite song on the album. It's pretty hard to choose. This one does have a mildly mellow intro. A little bass, then an explosion of sound. This track is quickly followed by "Hacksaw Decapitation"- the guitar sweeps and the solo contained within remind us why we love metal.
A track by track wouldn't be too hard, there's a lot here to like. This is an album with tons of variety and each song has its own characteristics. Where does it stand within the ranks of the other CC releases? It's too early for me to decide, but my opinion of this album is high, so it will certainly rank high. This is not an album to listen to lightly. It deserves many spins on your CD player. So what are you waiting for?
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