Artist: Exhumed
Label: Relapse Records
Release Date: 7/29/03
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Title: Anatomy is Destiny Artist: Exhumed Label: Relapse Records Release Date: 7/29/03 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
One, two, three, gore. If there is one thing I don't expect from your average 'gore metal' band, it's drastic change. And while Exhumed may not have changed drastically on this, their latest slab of carnality, they've definitely grown as songwriters and musicians. Anatomy is Destiny is to the Exhumed catalogue as Heartwork was to Carcass. Some might feel that analogy falls flat due to the fact that Carcass had a much more drastic shift in direction than Exhumed have exhibited here, but I stand by that statement.
"The songwriting has evolved and improved, and the production is downright polished." This album is meticulous in all aspects. The songwriting has evolved and improved, and the production is downright polished. Each part of the band comes through crystal clear, making for a slick listen that might seem out of place for this band if the other aspects of the record weren't so meticulous. But fear not, this slickness I speak of is lubricated by fresh spilled blood, blood that has yet to coagulate and in turn serves as a viscous oil in an eviscerating engine.
The production by Neil Kernon is only an added bonus, however. The real proof is in the (blood) pudding. Exhumed have progressed by leaps and bounds when it comes to their technical ability, as the sporadic melodic leads (yes, I said melodic) really strike you between right between the eyes, while the low end takes you out at the knees. Even though I consider myself a definite fan, I'm not ashamed to say that I'm a little surprised by the direction this record is going. I couldn't be happier, however, because I feel that this relatively new trend of mixing subtle melodies into brutal American death is wrought with possibilities and Exhumed seem to be becoming one of the best examples of that. Gore, it's not just for breakfast anymore.
"Gore, it's not just for breakfast anymore." I truly hope that this record sees the band gaining some momentum. This band has proven themselves in the studio, as well as on stage, and should be appreciated by all serious fans of extreme music. The only problem I have is the band always seems to end their albums after too brief a time, goring me to tears. One word review: Awesome.
Death's Review:
"Every Carcass has its Heartwork, and it's about time that Exhumed got theirs." Every Carcass has its Heartwork, and it's about time that Exhumed got theirs. Fresh from touring venues like Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas and Downtown Disneyland in Anaheim with Rob Halford and Testament, Exhumed bring a new focus and tighter direction to their gore-splattered assault with their new record, Anatomy is Destiny. "Maturity" is a strange word to use when writing about the gore metal subgenre, but Exhumed exhibit a degree of it here to awesome impact. No, we're not talking anything different from Slaughtercult, really, other than some tighter songwriting, catchy riffing and melodic overlays. But each of these subtle and marked improvements collectively have conspired to force a full-level upgrade of the Exhumed product.
"The riffs, the leads, the chaos - this is one album that I think is gonna catch a lot of people by surprise." Perhaps because of this, Anatomy is Destiny sounds particularly inspired, and certainly more confident and focused, than anything else we've heard from the band thus far. All of this "maturity" is brilliantly showcased by another first-rate production from Neil Kernon which places emphasis on the developing Exhumed technicality and penchant for headbanging groove amidst the grinding chaos. The riffs, the leads, the chaos - this is one album that I think is gonna catch a lot of people by surprise. Technical grind with pure metal catchiness has never sounded so good. Get on board early, and check out the new Exhumed album. It's still totally fucking sick, it's totally fucking metal, and it's definitely the best Exhumed album so far.
Hel's Review:
Gore metal masters Exhumed have returned with a statement: Anatomy is Destiny. Their latest effort features the same relentless style of grind they have made their very own, with the speed, technicality, and gore-soaked subject matter which are their hallmarks.
"There is an unstoppable progression that inevitably leads to deliberate musical annihilation."
"If you are one of the gore-metal faithful, fall to your knees and rejoice at this triumphant return - Hail, Exhumed!" One of the reasons I love this band is the consistent depth of their songwriting. Every song is deeply layered and textured, giving each album an overall intensity that is largely unrivaled in their little corner of metal. The uninitiated listen may perceive a wall of sound, which is certainly the intent. In reality, as the astute metalhead will notice, there is an unstoppable progression that inevitably leads to deliberate musical annihilation.
To me, this album perfectly exemplifies what I love about metal. Replete with goodies like rapid-fire dual death vocals and blazing guitar solos, listening to Anatomy is Destiny has been a joyful experience for me. If you are one of the gore-metal faithful, fall to your knees and rejoice at this triumphant return - Hail, Exhumed!
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