Nile is:
Discography:
With today's death metal scene glutted by substandard bands lacking conviction and skill, the search for quality acts can seem like a hopeless journey across desolate desert sand, one which leaves fans desperate and disillusioed with an ever- growing thirst for the talent and bruality they crave. Hailing from South Carolina, NILE represent a ray of hope on a bleak horizon.
Formed in 1993 by Karl Sanders(Guitar/Vocals),Chief Spires(Bass/Vocals), and pete Hammoura(Drums), NILE wasted little time in creating a unique style of music blending the ferocity of modern day deathmetal with the ancient tones of the Middle East. NILE's self-proclaimed "lthyphallic Metal" contains the strength and dynamics needed to transport the listener to distant landscape now buried by the sands of time.After releasing a single demo in 1994,the band honed in on their vision and began work on the well received Festivals Of Atonement cassette/CD, relased in 1995, At about the same time,the band played a number of shows in the Southeastern U.S. supporting such acts as OBITUARY, DEICIDE,BROKEN HOPE,and SIX FEET UNDER. NILE quickly gained the exposure needed to climb to the top in their local scene,Drawing more rabid fans with each show.
1996 saw NILE playing several Southeastern U.S. dates with heavyweights INCANTATION.They also began shopping the Ramses Bringer Of War material, which was subsequently released on a mini-cd by Visceral Productions with plans for a full-length album, Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka, carved into stone. A monumental testimony of power was laid down on tape,yet as fate my have it, Visceral Productions folded in the late 1997. Repapse was more then eager to move into the picture. After the lable heard the new material and witnessed the live spectacle at the Chicago's Expo of the Extreme,a deal was struck and 1998 sees the release of NILE's most accomplished work to date.
With Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka, NILE brings the past to the present and carries death metal in to the future. Tremendous drum blast beat down upon you like the oppressive midday sun in the heart of the Sahara. Howling vocals cry out from beneath the crypts of pharaohs long since past.Swirling guitar encircle the listener like vicious sandstorms, while venomous soloslash out with a swiftness of a desert asp. just subject yourself to the controlled chaos of Smashing the Antiu,the crptic barbarity of Barra Edinazzu, the crushing weight of Stones of Sorrow, or the sickening blast known as Pestilence and Iniquity.With a production job as messive and heavy as the pyramids themselves, Amongst... threatens to squash all non-believers while thousands of new followers are indoctrinated into the cult. Worshippers of the dead and devotees of the extreme will feast on those offerings like manna from the gods - NILE are an oasis bringing new life to the world of death.
Festivals of Atonement - It is a good first release. Off of the bat you notice that they are completely unique. Their sounds and ferocity in their music is almost unmatched. 4 out of 5 skulls.
CHIEF SPIRES-Vocals/Bass
KARL SANDERS-Guitars/Vocals
PETE HAMMOURA-Drums/Percussion
Festivals of Atonement -
Amongst the Catacombs of Nephra-Ka -
Amongst the Catacombs of Nephren-Ka - This is a great album and I enjoyed the little Egyptian sounds throughout the album, Download the song "Opening of the Mouth" and listen for yourself. 4.5 out of 5 skulls.
DEATH METAL PICK OF THE WEEK: "Opening of the Mouth" 
Cannibal Corpse is:
George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher
Paul Mazurkiewicz - Drums
Pat O'Brien - Guitar
Jack Owen - Guitar
Alex Webster- Bass
Discography:
Eaten Back To Life - 1990
Butchered At Birth - 1991
Tomb Of The Mutilated - 1992
Hammer Smashed Face ep - 1993
The Bleeding - 1994
Vile - 1996
Gallery Of' Suicide - 1998
Controversy, a word that has followed Cannibal Corpse around throughout their entire career, festering up and trying to destroy them whenever possible. From former republican presidential candidate Bob Dole's verbal attack on Cannibal Corpse during his campaign, to the censoring of their albums in major record chains throughout the world, Cannibal Corpse has not had it easy. Through it all they have persevered proving that the strong arm of the law works both ways as they used and will continue to use freedom of speech to destroy all who oppose them.
Their unrelenting drive to continue to do what they love most, play music, has paid off with what has turned out to be their best effort yet in their long career, Gallery Of Suicide. Recorded at the shrine of Death Metal, Morrisound Studios in the bands home town of Tampa, Florida by Jim Morris (Morbid Angel, Death). Gallery Of Suicide continues the musical onslaught that you have come to expect from Cannibal Corpse, rapid fire rhythms blended with mid tempo grind and the guttural vocals of "Corpsegrinder". The one major difference is the fact that the entire band was present from start to finish on this recording, bassist Alex Webster feels that the band has progressed immensely due to this.
"Gallery Of Suicide is, in a sense a mile stone for Cannibal Corpse", states Alex, "what you get with this record is a full album written and performed with the complete line up. Bringing Pat O'Brien, a long time fan of the band (ex-Monstrocity, Nevermore) on board has helped Cannibal Corpse attain a more cohesive bond within the songs. This album is 100% Cannibal Corpse from top to bottom and what you will hear is a few surprises as each song really stands on its own. musically and lyrically. This is also our first album with George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher contributing before the first note was written".
Cannibal Corpse has saved the best for now as Gallery Of Suicide stands as a true testament of how a band continues to progress musically evolving into even more proficient musicians and concocting better song structures. "All in all, Gallery Of Suicide is our best album to date", replies Alex, "best vocals, best lyrics, best arrangements and best playing".
Now if only Cannibal Corpse's enemies can start to realize that their devotion to their music and lyrics is art in its purest form. and not a means to decay the moral fiber of this world but to expose the horrors that exist in it.
Eaten Back to Life - It is real goddamn heavy and it is very goddamn brutal. "Mangled" is a good song off of there but then again so is every other one. 5 out of 5 skulls.
Butchered at Birth - It is a real good album, a brilliant sophmore release. 4 out of 5 skulls.
Tomb of the Mutilated - I like this release, it is heavy and kicks ass. It is different musically from the first two but all in all it is good. 4 out of 5 skulls.
The Bleeding - This is their last release with Chris Barnes but the first with Rob Barret on guitars (ex-Malevolent Creation) I enjoyed it. 5 out of 5 skulls.
Vile - This is their first album with George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher (ex-Monstrosity), It is a very decent album and I like it. 4 out 5 skulls.
Gallery of Suicide - I like this one, it displays some technical musicallity and it was the first appearance of Pat O'Brien (ex-Monstrosity). 5 out of 5 skulls.
Deicide is:
Brian Hoffman - Guitar
Glen Benton - Vocals/Bass
Steve Asheim - Drums
Eric Hoffman - Guitar
Discography:
Amon Feasting the Beast
Deicide
Legion
Once Upon the Cross
Serpents of the Light
When Satan Lives
Spawned from the fetid swamps of Florida, DEICIDE rise from the ashes of Amon, who recorded two demos before signing with Roadrunner Records in 1990. Although these early efforts pale in comparison to the eponymous debut album which follows, they display an inhuman ferocity and demonstrate DEICIDE`s will to explore the abyss without fear or remorse. Deicide are death metal legends, they rule! Everything they come out with kicks ass! They RULE!
Deicide - This is a real goddamn good album. It rules, case closed. 5 out 5 skulls.
Legion - This displays good technichal aspects of death metal music. I highly reccomend all Deicide albums. 5 out of 5 skulls.
Once Upon the Cross - A more brutal attempt than earlier efforts, kicks ass! 5 out 5 skulls.
Serpents of the Light - This album shows the continuing greatness of Deicide as a band. 5 out of 5 skulls.
Six Feet Under is:
Chris Barnes - Vocals
Terry Butler - Bass
Greg Gall - Drums
Steve Swanson - Guitars
Six Feet Under is one of the premier death metal bands on the market today. Fronted by former Cannibal Corpse vocalist Chris Barnes, they are easily at the top of the genre when it comes to music and lyrical ability.
The Haunted - This is one of the best death metal albums I've heard. It is good and heavy. Every song on this album kicks. 5 out of 5 skulls.
In Flames are:
Peter Iwers - Bass
Björn Gelotte - Lead Guitar
Daniel Svensson - Drums
Claes Håkan Jesper Strömblad - Lead Guitar
Anders Frieden - Vocals
Discography:
Lunar Strain
Subterrainean
Black-Ash Inheritance
The Jester Race
Whoreacle
Colony
In Flames music can be described as guitar based Death Metal with influences from the Nordic folk music. The music is very melodic, but at the same time rather aggressive and raging. You can hear by the guitars that the band is influenced by bands like Iron Maiden and Helloween. Everything these guys come out with is something I can always like to listen to. They have a sound in the death metal genre that is all of their own.
Black Ash Inheritance - This album is one of the best minis I have heard. It is in shape CD form and is a collector item to own. The music on this album is superb, with one of my favorites "Goliaths Disarm their Davids". If you are a fan of death metal or just like melodic music, I suggest you pick this up. 5 out of 5 skulls.
The Jester Race - This album is a great release from a great band. This is a full length release, with many interesting songs and a very good melody. I extremely like this album, but not as much as Whoreacle. The melody is one of the key factors in this album. 4.5 out of 5 skulls.
Whoreacle - This album kicks extreme ass! I enjoyed every song off of this full length release and I would reccomend it to every one who likes metal. The melody on this album is unmatched on previous releases. Look for songs off of this one to be appearing on my death metal top ten very often. 5 out of 5 skulls.
Colony - I thoroughly enjoyed this release once I played the first song. This album displays technical brilliance and melodic metal that only In Flames can deliver. This has to be one of the best albums of '99, seriously. I would recommend this release to just about any fan who enjoys good death metal with an atmospheric melody adjoined with it. This is definitly one of my picks and I will soon be putting some of these songs on my Top Ten downloadable list. 5 out of 5 skulls.
Hypocrisy Are:
Peter Tagtgren - vocals, keyboards, guitar
Mikael Hedlund - bass
Lars Szoke - drums
Discography:
Penetralia
Pleasure of Molestation
Osculum Obscenum
Inferior Devotees
The Fourth Dimension
Abducted
Maxium Abduction
The Final Chapter
Hypocrisy Destroys Wacken
Hypocrisy
Since their debut, Penetralia in 1992, HYPOCRISY has made strides to progress and bring something different to metal fans. With the release of Osculum Obscenum, it marked an improvement in the band's performance, a more complex approach to their songs as a whole and a more brutal sound. It was with The Fourth Dimension that the band's harmonies started to develop and the music took a darker, more depressing timbre. Due to the demand for the band that The Fourth Dimension created, HYPOCRISY finally ventured to the U.S. and Mexico to show fans what metal is all about. After the numerous horror stories the band had been told about touring the U.S., they never expected that playing the Milwaukee Metal Fest would turn out to be one of their finest moments in their lengthy musical career.
With the release of The Final Chapter, the band managed to achieve what so many fail to do: a marriage of technical appeal, staggering brutality, and intense mood. It was the perfect precursor to the band's live disk, Hypocrisy Destoys Wacken, which showcases the bands unbelieveable live talents.
Working in Peter Tagtgren's studio The Abyss, HYPOCRISY will continue to add to their continuing musical legacy, once again proving why this band has become one of the legends in the metal genre.
Penetrailia - This was their debut album, and as well as their most BRUTAL opus yet to date. This album features much more speed-laden style then that of their latest efforts. This sounds nothing like their new material at all and if you heard this you probably wouldn't know it was them if you never heard anything but their newer stuff. This release features other members of this band other than Peter, Lars, and Michael that are no longer with the band. I recommend it to fans that like brutal Swedish death, but not the early 90's low tuned craze trend. 5 out of 5 skulls.
Obsculum Obscenum - This follow up takes off where Penetralia left off. This basically is the same musical style as the first release but there is slight difference in production. Features a cover of Venom's "Black Metal" which fucking rules!! This album features a last performance by ex-vocalist Masse Broberg. There is a lot of controversy on why he left but no one except for the members know the truth. I recommend this to people who like the older and newer Hypocrisy. 3.5 out of 5 skulls.
The Fourth Dimension - This release marks a different path from the first two releases. This album features longer songs and a slight moodier, melodic type of songwriting. It takes you in a dark place and it has dark atmospheric qualities in the melody. It really takes you to the fourth dimension where you awake with poles sticking out of your ass in HELL. Peter seems to think that the fourth dimension is actually a coma. Bullshit, I have never read from any medical texts as a coma being referred to as a "fourth dimension". Peter needs to lay off the drugs when he does an interview but not when he writes songs. Keep the pot alive, Peter. I recommend this to any and everybody visiting this page. 5 out of 5 skulls.
Abducted - Hypocrisy yet takes another turn in the lyrical genre. This is more of a concept album (No shit, sherlock). I have no idea what kind of drugs Peter was on when he wrote about "Abductions" but it seems that the LSD is still giving him flashbacks as he still writes in the same lyrical genre today. He wakes up at night from an overdose and feels he's been abducted and anally probed by aliens. I will not go into Peter's life any more as I feel I covered it with "anally probed". I highly recommend it to fans of the Fourth Dimension. 4 out of 5 skulls.
Final Chapter - This was supposedly to be Hypocrisy's final release. We soon found out afterwards that they were full of shit. Due to huge fan outcry, Peter decided to keep the Hypocrisy thing going while still doing his other projects. It features a cover of Razor's "Evil Invaders", much like Peter's "Anal Invaders". Also, contains a slight doom influence. I recommend it to Jesus Christ and his whore of a mother. God save my soul, I am eternally sorry for that last comment. Like fuck I am, 3.5 out of 5 skulls.
Hypocrisy - This one is in the vein of their last two full-length releases. This was originally to be titled "Cloned" but it was changed to "Hypocrisy" at the last minute due to Peter's last minute drug withdrawl symptoms in which he was convulsing and contemplating on the name. I actually don't know why it was changed as I forgot the reason. But who cares? It is a good release so buy the goddamn thing. 3.5 out of 5 skulls.
Benediction Are:
Peter Rew - Guitar
Darren Brookes - Guitar
Frank Healy - Bass
Neil Hutton - Drums
Discography:
Subconscious Terror
The Grand Leveller
Transcend the Rubicon
The Dreams you Dread
Grind Bastard
Benediction have had many problems to face, and many obstacles to overcome in their musical career. But they have always won through, and done so with the knowledge that they have done it themselves with all their own hard work and determination. Benediction have a 'no-compromise' attitude, and will never follow trends, unless they make them themselves. They stay true to their roots, loyal to their fans, and keep in constant contact with the Underground scene, which made them the band they are today. They are proud to be part of a widely varied and growing genre, which they know will only go from strength to strength in the forthcoming years.
Subconscious Terror - This raw debut features Barney(Napalm Death) on the vocals. This album features black and white low-budget layout for printing on the jacket. Also features barely visible photos of band members. This look like it cost a good 20 dollars to put together and the production shows it. I have heard garage demos that sound better than this but it IS A GOOD ALBUM. 3.5 out of 5 skulls
The Grand Leveller - Next up, album number two. Includes big improvement from the last release. Features first appearance of vocalist Dave Ingram. Also, a step up from production. In the first page of the booklet Benediction gives a farewell to Barney, and gives him good luck. Barney didn't even take Benediction seriously enough and he packed his shit and left real goddamn quick. Also, this album features a Celtic Frost cover of Return to the Eve. ANOTHER GREAT ALBUM. 4 out of 5 skulls
Transcend the Rubicon - Here we go, finally, we get to Transcend the Rubicon. This is a flawless album, featuring crystal clear sound production and an excellent layout. Also, you may want to notice, is how much Ian improved as a drummer. This album is Ian's finest work. Features an Accused cover, "Wrong Side of the Grave". Probably their best album to date. 5 out of 5 skulls
The Dreams you Dread - Good album, especially the opening track entitled "Down on all whores". This track's lyrics are composed solely of quotes from the diary of James Maybrick, or Jack the Ripper. Great album, 'nuff said! 5 out of 5 skulls
Grind Bastard - This is the last album with vocalist Dave Ingram. Features cover art that is total bullshit you cannot even make out what the fuck it actually is!! It looks like some dude moving around but who the fuck knows. This features two covers, one is "Electric Eye" by Judas Priest and the other is "Destoyer" by Twisted Sister. Dave Ingram supposedly left because he got married and then two weeks later joined Bolt Thrower. 5 out of 5 skulls
Testament are:
Chuck Billy - Vocals
Eric Peterson - Guitars
Steve Smyth - Guitars
Steve DiGiorgio - Bass
Steve Jacobs - Drums
Discography:
The Legacy
The New Order
Practice what you preach
Souls of Black
The Ritual
Return to the Apocalyptic City
Low
Live at the Fillmore
Demonic
The Gathering
Testament formed in the small town of Alameda, CA, right next to Oakland way back in 1983, when guitarist Eric Peterson hooked up with drummer Louis Clemente (who has since left the music industry to work at his wife's antique store). They later acquired singer Steve Souza (who left to join Exodus before recording an album), guitarist Alex Skolnick (who later left to join Savatage), and bassist Derrick Ramirez ( Eric's cousin), who left before the first album in favor of Greg Christian. When Souza left the band, they acquired frontman Chuck Billy, who along with Eric Peterson, is the only remaining member of the original five who were signed as Testament. After being denied the use of the rights for their original name, "The Legacy,", which was already taken, they took the name Testament and were signed by Atlantic Records (who recently dropped them).
Alex Skolnick left the band after 1992 and was replaced by Glen Alvelais, and Louis Clemente was replaced with Paul Bostaph of Slayer for "Live at the Apocalyptic City". They recorded a song called "Reign of Terror" at that time, never re-released on a studio album.
James Murphy, formerly of Death, was later called on for guitar duties, but then he left, and then he came back. Greg Christian left the band with James Murphy (after "Low") and started a band called Flange. Bostaph left after the live album, then Testament got drummer John Tempesta to do the drum tracks for "Low," but he still plays with White Zombie. After that, Jon Dette came in for "Live at the Fillmore," but left to join Slayer for a little while, and now is back. The band had broken up for good until Billy and Peterson got together and decided to use the Testament name again. They made "Demonic" with Gene Hoglan (also formerly of Death) on drums, Glen Alvelais on guitar, and Derrick Ramirez on bass.
In "The Gathering", the current band members are: Chuck Billy on vocals, Eric Peterson on guitars, James Murphy on guitars, Steve Digorgio on bass, and Dave Lombardo, formally of Slayer, on drums.
The Legacy - The first and best album from one of the only thrash legends still remaining. (R.I.P. Metallica), The Legacy shows Testament at it's best with it's trademark guitar work and solos, FUCKING CLASSIC!! 5 out of 5 skulls
The New Order - The Bay Area Thrash Legends return with yet another classic release, The New Order features such classic tracks as "Into the Pit" and the almighty "Disciples of the Watch", fans of The Legacy should get this one up, once again...5 out of 5 skulls
Practice what you preach - Practive what you preach finds Testament experimenting with different elements, but still retaining their classic sound. Obviously, another classic, and the last of its kind. Fans would have to prepare themselves to hear the next album, the next one sucks donkey nuts but this one gets 5 out of 5 skulls
Souls of Black - I once heard that Testament's change in sound was due to the fact that guitarist Alex Skolnick wanted to have a more "rock" sound. FUCK HIM! If he is the real cause for changing such a great band then that motherfucker needed to DIE! 2 out of 5 skulls
The Ritual - If you want to check this album out, read my review for Souls of Black. 2 out of 5 skulls
Low - Finally, the Gods have came to their senses and released a fine album, too bad they were dropped by Atlantic Records not to far after. Low features the talents of shread-God James Murphy and drums from some jack ass that left Testament for White Zombie. It's a shame to see a talented drummer join an untalented bunch of faggots! 4 out of 5 skulls
Demonic - After more than 10 years, we find Testament releasing more quality albums> Demonic features their sound on Low, but a bit moshier quality to the music. Listening to this album, I can't help but think of all the line up changes that this band has experienced. Chuck Billy and Eric Peterson appear to be the only original members, but still recommended for all die hard Testament fans. 4 out of 5 skulls
The Gathering - James Murphy on guitars< Dave Lambardo(Slayer) on drums, and Steve DiGiorgio(Sadus) on bass, quite a fucking lineup, isn't it? The music backs up this hype, 100%. No explaination needed, one of 1999's best. 5 out of 5 skulls
Discography:
Conquering the Throne
HATE ETERNAL was borne from Rutan's on-going quest to push the envelope of uncompromising hate. Having spent the majority of his career solely as a guitarist, he felt the strong desire to step up to the mic with his brutal vocals and mobilize an outfit that would truly represent his own ideas. The goal was to create a massive force of devastating death metal with a lineup that was untouchable. Filling the drum slot would prove challenging as the material seemed to demand an eight-armed demon. After trying out a few mere mortals, Tim Yeung entered the picture. Having studied the masters like Sandoval and Hoglan while adding his own unique qualities to his art, his utterly relentless attack proved to be a mandatory ingredient. Yeung is poised to take his place as one of the premier death metal drummers. The addition of Doug Cerrito (Suffocation), one of the most respected guitarists in death metal, added yet another strong dimension to the band and the final addition of Jared Anderson's punishing bass attack and co-vocal sickness cemented the roster.
With undeniable aggression, premier musicianship and Erik and Jared's vicious lyrical firestorm, Conquering The Throne is the high-water mark for death metal in 1999. Musically, the album is an all-out precision assault, done so with all of the flair and expertise one would expect from such an impressive assembly. To accompany the assault, Rutan's lyrical stance derives influence from a variety of sources: ancient philosophies and scriptures, ongoing personal beliefs, ominous futuristic prophesies and other hateful visions. The combination is undeniable. Rutan and company have succeeded in creating an album of sheer death metal mastery, a supreme force thrust upon the world to be reckoned with forevermore. Be prepared, for the devastation is about to begin!
Conqering the Throne - Obviously this album would contain Suffocation-like guitar work due to the services of Doug Cerrito. This album would definitely be on the best of 1999, but I purchased it after I made the list. It would of been 5 or so on the list. The sound of Hate Eternal contains blistering, piercing, extreme, unmitigated guitar work and pulsating, pounding drums. This is a definite must have for true death metal fans, if you are extreme enough to handle this CD. 5 out of 5 skulls.
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