Artist: Corporation 187
Label: Earache Records
Release Date: 2/11/03
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Title: Perfection in Pain Artist: Corporation 187 Label: Earache Records Release Date: 2/11/03 |
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Abyss's Review:
When I first heard this band's debut, Subliminal Fear, two years ago, I didn't really dig it, but I recognized that these guys had a lot of potential. Beginning as a Slayer cover band in the mid-nineties, the band has made no bones about the fact that they're still infatuated by 80s-era thrash, and that they want to expand that sound into one all their own. In this respect I believe their sophomore effort, Perfection in Pain is a success.
"I believe their sophomore effort, Perfection in Pain is a success." I didn't like their first album due to its clunky vocal cadence, something I've never really enjoyed on a grand scale, even in its 80s heyday. This new record has become a bit more accessible, definitely inching closer to the heavier bands of the melodic death scene. And while the vocals, in my opinion, come across more smoothly and less awkward, they are at the same time more infectious and brutal. The songs are more streamlined and the riffs are just plain better than their last effort, resulting in an album that shines from track to track.
While most people feel the need to compare these guys to Slayer, I find that this album is far more reminiscent of Heartwork-era Carcass. This is probably the aspect of the album that excites me the most, as I never thought that that sound was explored enough. From the squealing leads to the thick, chugging riffs, this album is a perfect balance between a retro and forward-looking sound. There isn't a trace of filler on this record, and the only thing I can really think to criticize is its sparse running time, as it clocks in at only around forty minutes.
"If you like any of the new wave of thrash out there, this album will make you happier than Michael Jackson at the Boy Scout Jamboree." I must say that I'm hella-impressed by the product that these guys have put out, it's like they read my thoughts when I heard their debut, and improved everything that I disliked. This sits up quite well against the new The Haunted album, and right now I'm not sure which one is more necessary for your collection. One thing's for certain, if you like any of the new wave of thrash out there, this album will make you happier than Michael Jackson at the Boy Scout Jamboree. One word review: Killer.
Death's Review:
Earache/Wicked World is on a serious roll. Last week it was the killer new release by The Haunted, and now, we have before us the stylistically similar Corporation 187, an album that somehow manages to be both different than the aforementioned Haunted record yet equally as crushingly devastating. Simply stated, Perfection in Pain kicks serious ass. It has the amped-up aggression of At the Gates and delivers the fist-pumping visceral charge of Dark Tranquillity's latest album, Damage Done.
"Simply stated, Perfection in Pain kicks serious ass."
Yet Corporation 187 also display a sublimely catchy technicality in the riffing that is crushingly melodic like the best and most technical of Bay Area thrash (think Forbidden), albeit primarily in the intricate guitar riffing. In short, The Haunted's new album is to Slayer what Corporation 187 is to say . . . Testament. Yes, the vocals are extreme and screamed/shouted like At the Gates or The Haunted, so don't let the Forbidden or Testament references fool you. This is most assuredly a product of what some are now calling the "New Wave of Thrash." But the extra element of dexterity and memorability that has so permeated these riffs dovetails perfectly with the tightness of the overall sonic attack in such a way that makes this album stand out from the pack. All of the elements are here: a Peter Tagtgren/Abyss Studio mix, artwork form Dark Tranquillity's Nicklas Sundin. Still, none of those trappings can mask a mediocre album, and thank god this time they don't have to. Corporation 187 is more than worthy of your attention; with Perfection in Pain, they have up and demanded it.
"Corporation 187 is more than worthy of your attention."
Hel's Review:
Other than the band name (I've always found band names comprised of a single word and a random series of numbers to be rather useless and vaguely irritating), there is nothing at all objectionable about this record. Perfection in Pain is an agreeable, well-put-together melodic death metal record.
"Quality metal from Sweden… go figure."
"I am certain that at one point he is repeatedly telling me to, 'bring out your rubber mat'." Quality metal from Sweden… go figure. The vocals are fairly distinguishable, for the most part, but then there are moments, such as in "Perfection in Pain," where I am certain that at one point he is repeatedly telling me to, "bring out your rubber mat" - now, I don't know why, but he seems very certain that I need to. Somehow, this silly little misinterpretation is vastly amusing to me, and I find I like the album even more because of it.
In short, this album is just a lot of fun. Fans of melodic death will surely find a great deal to enjoy about this album and the outstanding musicianship you will find herein. The "been there done that" set need not apply. In fact, may I suggest jumping off of a convenient bridge? Those of you who are simply looking for all around good music will want to check this out.
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