The Summary Judgment Reviews:
Title: From Wisdom to Hate
Artist: Gorguts
Label: Olympic Recordings
Release Date: 3/6/01

Rating: 5 Skulls
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    • Reviewed by Famine (3/29/01):
    The new Gorguts rules. Yeah, I know what you are thinking... "There are way too many death metal bands. Why does this one deserve my attention?"

    You are absolutely right, death metal has once again exploded all across the globe and there is a lot of it competing for our attention. But come on, despite the sheer number of death metal bands, you have to admit, many of them are kicking ass. Gorguts is one of them.

    So, to answer your question: Gorguts is different. This is not Gothenburg death. This is not old-school death. This is not Johnny-come-lately-faster-than-everyone-else death. Deathcore? Not. This is Gorguts.

    From Wisdom To Hate is a well-crafted, well-produced slab of unique death metal. While not as ambitious as the prior album, Obscura, this latest recording takes the creative ideas of vocalist/ guitarist Luc Lemay and places them neatly together to form a strong, cohesive unit of musical noise. Take chaos, pull out all the good stuff, make songs out of it and you are a long way to describing the current state of Gorguts.

    This is mostly a growls/ guitar/ bass/ drums album. Any other effects are used sparingly and, in Gorguts' case, are not necessary. Where many new bands are looking to keyboards, orchestras and female vocalists to expand their sound, Gorguts have found all the tools they need in the traditional metal instruments. The guitar work is colorful, filled with discordant strumming, squeals, fits and starts. The mix of chords, notes and interesting tempo changes combined with a spectacular drum performance made up of unique rhythms and creative fills puts this album in the spotlight. Finally, although it is subtle, the vocal production really adds to the value of this album. The sound of the voice stays pretty consistent throughout, yet the way it is brought into the mix and layered upon itself makes for an extremely dramatic performance.

    From Wisdom To Hate is generally a mid-paced affair. Sometimes the drums plod along underneath, sometimes they scream past the music and others they fill the gaps in crazed excitement. The album is produced with a lot of room for the music to breathe and the instruments to be enjoyed. For this reason, it often reminds me of Morbid Angel's Gateways To Annihilation. The sound, itself, also reminds me of Neurosis at times and at others, VoiVod.

    In my opinion, From Wisdom To Hate is a keeper and a fine example of the fact that there is always new territory to conquer within the bloated death metal scene.
    5 out of 5

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