CHOKE
"Smokin' Tailpipe Action"
self-released
rating: 4 of 6
"We have just had our CD "Smokin` Tailpipe Action"  banned nationwide as an 8 member full of cunts committee deemed our material to offensive to the general committee. As a result all our stock has had to be pulled from shelves everywhere or we face prosecution. This is not a joke at all and we must conform to fucking police requests. We could face fines of up to $50 000 or 18 months jail for material that has now been placed in the same category as kiddy porn and bestiality (of which we have nothing to do with what so ever). We may be sick but not that sick". Right after I got this in the mail, I've asked Glenn to submit me a promo (the "banned" one, of course), and here it is… Well, this Aussie general committee must have been comprised of feeble homos, if they perceived this CD's appearance as "offensive" or whatever. At least, I couldn't discover anything THAT shocking here. Anyway, what about music? Well, it's pretty good mixture of grind and death metal. Finely performed and executed. Actually, there's not that much to be added here. If you're into either death metal or grindcore (or both), check this out. I guess, you won't be disappointed. And besides that, I'm strongly convinced that all of us have to support this band in their struggle with police and censorial institute. FUCK THE CENSORSHIP.
Email Glenn at <gmdyson@optusnet.com.au>
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

DARK AGE
"Psychotic Side"
self-released
rating: 5 of 6
BEWITCHED (majestic BM) and POEMA ARCANUS (gothic doom / black metal) are the only bands from Chili I've heard so far, therefore DARK AGE obviously is the first one when it comes to the genre of death metal. And I have to admit it's a pleasant acquaintance! This quartet offers surprisingly well-crafted and excellently performed stuff, with each single song being definitely intriguing and fascinating. It's always good to see that a scene that's new to the metal community worldwide, is capable of spawning definitely talented and worthy acts.
Email: info@darkage.cl
(review by Silvanus)

DEEDS OF FLESH
"Path Of The Weakening"
Unique Leader Records
rating: 4 of 6
Yeah, heavy as hell and brutal as fuck grinding death metal, typically US, i.e. similar to INTERNAL BLEEDING and early PYREXIA. Just good 'ol plain death metal in it's purest form. And now I'm gonna take a bath and cut my veins. Good night. (Herr Stalhammar)

DEEP
"Pieces Of Nothing"
Pavement Music
rating: 2 of 6
Rather worthless effort. Formed back in 1992, this quartet comes up with an utterly boring mixture of death and thrash metal. Neither outdated, nor archaic, it just lacks excitement and any kind of atmosphere. All the songs are similar to each other, while the whole CD definitely succeeded in lulling me to sleep. I fell asleep even before it was over for the first time… These guys are quite talented, and the sound execution strikes as an excellent one (and that's no surprise, since it was Logan Mader (MACHINE HEAD, SOULFLY) who produced "Pieces Of Nothing"), but what the hell can I do… The sad thing is, I never sell promos even if they're totally worthless ones when it comes to music. And therefore I'll have to keep this CD in my collection. The CD I won't ever listen to again. (Herr Stalhammar)

DISGORGE
"She Lay Gutted"
Unique Leader Records
rating: 5 of 6
Here I come again… Surprised? I've just figured out that the world would be less violent if this review wasn't written. Therefore, the razorblade will have to wait for a while. "She Lay Gutted"… What a delicious title. Are you hungry? Yeah, it's you who I'm talking to, moron! Hungry…?? Now get some freshly rotten flesh and enjoy your supper, kid. DISGORGE come up with unrelenting, hateful and utterly destructive potion of grind, with nine songs lasting for only ~ 30 minutes, and that's the reason I feel I was kinda deceived. Or whatever. I mean, it seemed to me, the carnage has just begun. And suddenly, it's over. And yes, that's definitely a carnage. With these ultra-low, inhuman growls (a bit similar to MORTICIAN and others of that ilk, y'know) and no less mentally phlebotomizing and physically devouring musical accompaniment. The CDs of this kind will make you realize that life's not that worthless, haha. (Herr Stalhammar)

ENFORCE
"Campfire Night"
Sonic Wave International
rating: 5 of 6
Fortunately, Australia's ENFORCE managed to get a record deal (although… with a Singaporean label?!?) and, therefore, make their debut with a full-length CD. Well, what should I say… I didn't like that "Premonition" tape that much at the first listen, however later I've found out that it could grant me pretty enjoyable listening experience… And consequently you can check out the interview I've conducted with this quartet (don't remember the exact issue it was featured in). "Campfire Night" features a couple of tracks taken off "Premonition", however most of the songs this CD is comprised of, appear as the new ones. And they definitely shred, man!!! Powerful, brutal and agressive, yet diverse and well-crafted death with few thrash metal (and even BM?? Oh, I guess not. Maybe that's because of second vocal line, quite similar to a typical black metal shrieks) reminiscences. All in all, if you want a comparison, try to recall a US band named HATRED. I failed to find any others… No, I won't state this is utterly original, however ENFORCE contrived to compose their stuff the way that no one would really figure out if this or what composition sounds too similar to this or that composition by another band. Actually, I guess I'd state that this one is at least THAT close to being an original effort, anyway. Highly recommended. (Herr Stalhammar)

FLESHLESS
"Abhorrence Cadaveric"
Obscene Productions
rating: 4 of 6
Pretty good piece of death / grind from Czech Republic. I've already got myself acquainted with one of the tunes by FLESHLESS while listening to "Obscene Extreme 2000" comp, although, of course, that wasn't really enough to figure out what this band is all about. Actually, I liked this CD a lot… or more likely, it's first part (i.e. first four or five tracks). They deliver rather intriguing shape of death metal combining it with a bit of grind(core?), also coming up with a cover from OLYMPIC (have you ever heard about such a band? I haven't. Sounds good, anyway), although the problem is, "Abhorrence Cadaveric" gets boring in the end - and I can't really understand why. The whole CD is enough varied and diverse, so… Nevermind. Lastly, in general, FLESHLESS definitely is a band to be noticed. And this CD - to be purchased. Especially taking into account the fact, it's a multimedia one; featuring bio, discography, photo gallery and movie with the band's live shows in Germany, Malta, Czechia, as well as their US tour (almost 30 minutes in total)! (Herr Stalhammar)

GARDENIAN
"Soulburner"
Nuclear Blast Records
rating: 6 of 6
While now I have only three albums to review in a "death / grind" section, and all of them strike as incredibly stunning works! For example, let's take GARDENIAN. Being nothing but a poor man's DARK TRANQUILLITY previously, they've reached their own Parnassus with "Soulburner", and that shouldn't be argued! Just like SCARIOT, combining melodeath with power metal (Erik Hawk (ex-ARTCH) appears as the one responsible for "clean" vocals… and he's incredible at it!), contriving to compose each song the way it's worthy of "death metal Oscar" nomination. And when there're no "clean" vocals to be heard, when this foursome moves to more deathish territories, even then compositions "Soulburner" is comprised of, sound unbelievably tight, mature and fascinating. It could easily be an album of the issue… but we also have UNEXPECT, MAGO DE OZ, LANA LANE… SCARIOT…  EVOKEN… Anyway, this is A PURE FUCKING MASTERPIECE!!! (Herr Stalhammar)

GARDEN OF SHADOWS
"Oracle Moon"
Wicked World Records
rating: 5 of 6
I was pretty excited when someone told me that this US outfit, whom SEPTIC FLESH definitely have to bow to, made their debut with "Oracle Moon". I said debut, because it's the first full-length work of theirs (even though they already have "Heart Of The Corona" MCD behind 'em). Well yes, the time has come for SEPTIC FLESH to cease, since "Revolution DNA" and the CD I'm currently reviewing are absolutely incomparable, that's for sure. GARDEN OF SHADOWS haven't lost their path, nor did they betray true image of what they actually are, keeping on to deliver highly intriguing and enigmatic death metal (many of you out there most probably will confuse it with doom / death, though), melodic and enchanting, bewitching and almost unique in terms of approach to music. Perhaps, someone would compare this piece to "Mystic Places Of Dawn" and such, however despite few similarities, this assertion is a wrong one. Yes, "Oracle Moon" possesses this almost unreachable blend; the blend of originality… Surprised? I'm not, anyway. Lastly, the drawback. A hu-u-u-u-u-uge one. When will you, smart asses, let Mary sing at least at a couple of songs???!?! When it comes to this CD, her voice appears only by the end of "Twilight Odyssey", the very last tune off "Oracle Moon", and what's most disgusting, for only a few seconds! She's an astounding singer, so why won't you let her sing?? Ok, let's calm down… and state what we have stated before anyway: this is a stunning effort. And don't you listen to those who say it is not. Why? Figure out yourself. (Herr Stalhammar)

HATEPLOW
"The Only Law Is Survival"
Pavement / Arctic Music Group
rating: 5,5 of 6
Is HATEPLOW a grindcore band? I guess not. More likely, this is hellishly fast death metal. However, isn't it what we call grindcore? Nevermind. What I try to say is, "The Only Law Is Survival" strikes as unbelievably tight, mature and breathtaking effort. I never really liked this genre, however HATEPLOW made me to change my opinion on grindcore. Actually, I guess we couldn't expect a worthless CD from such a band; I mean, the band whose lineup is comprised of Phil Fasciana (MALEVOLENT CREATION) and Rob Barrett (CANNIBAL CORPSE) among others. This 13-tracker won't let you up until it's playing time is over, that's for sure. Speaking plainer - "The Only Law Is Survival" is a fucking brilliant piece of unrelenting grinding death metal! GET THIS ONE! (Herr Stalhammar)

HELLYOUSINNATION
"HellYouSinNation"
self-released
rating: 6 of 6
This is just bewitching. A unique form of death metal, you see. "HELLYOUSINNATION from the States is trying to get signed to Century Media in Germany". Doesn't sound that modest, does it? Yes, and that was the reason why I've sent 'em so-called "promo request".. Well, now, when I'm listening to it for a thousandth time, I'm sure to say these guys undoubtedly deserve a good deal. "HellYouSinNation"? What does it sound alike, eh? Imagine somewhat avantgardistic death metal (no reminiscences of ATHEIST and others of that ilk, though!) with anxious key-lines added, whilst vocals appear as… expressive recitatives (growling is here too, so don't you worry). I haven't ever heard anything like that before, and perhaps that's why I'm stunned. However… if you want me to give ya a hint; try to recall INNER THOUGHT, although I wouldn't say that HELLYOUSINNATION and those Canadians have anything in common. It's just the similar approach to music I'm talking about, you see.
Email: muerto187@hotmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

MOTIVE
"Damned If You Do… Dead If You Don't"
self-released
rating: 5 of 6
Death metal PANTERA? Perhaps, that could be a good description. This Arizona-based foursome managed to deliver undoubtedly stunning piece. Eight songs, fast and catchy, short and enigmatic, excellently performed and executed (especially when it comes to rhythm-section), whilst vocals mostly remind me of Phil Anselmo. Although way more brutal, perhaps. Add short razorblade leads incorporated in order to not let you to escape. And yes, MOTIVE's grip is not the one you can set yourself free from. What's most important they contrived to make a jewel out of each single track. Compositional structures seem to be very well developed, so you listen to this or that song with a sincere interest. Various, but far from being incomprehensible, you see. In fact; very good effort. Furthermore, I guess they just SHRED live! Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing more from these guys. (Herr Stalhammar)

NOISECORE FREAK / MURDER BY STATIC
"Welcome To The Stitchface Scar Sitter Experience"
Deadsix Communications
rating: -
What a title! And what a music… Coming with 45 tracks (lasting for a bit more than an hour), this beautifully designed CD offers the one who dares to purchase "Welcome…" utterly perverted kind of music. 35 tracks by NOISECORE FREAK, which turn out as completely depraved noise(grind)core, and ten compositions from MURDER BY STATIC, which musically appear as no less depraved… techno. Or even trance, or whatever. I'm not so good in electronic music to describe it properly. But what's most surprising, both NOISECORE FREAK and MURDER BY STATIC appear as one-man bands. And (surprise, surprise!), both are led by certain freak named Chris Stepniewski (who's also known as a singer for Canada's black / death metal act, HORDE OF WORMS). Those who get high on Relapse Records' releases and alike stuff, will get high on this one as well, I assume. And when it comes to me… Well, I'm going to place this CD on one of my so-called "music shelves", in order to periodically wipe the dust off it… and torture my neighbors. (Herr Stalhammar)

SCARIOT
"Deathforlorn"
Demolition Records
rating: (almost) an album of the issue. More likely, "just" a masterpiece.
Amazing! If I'm not mistaken, England's Demolition Records have managed to unleash only three CDs so far (HATRED's "The Offering", debut work by Latvia's HERESIARH as well as this one), and all of them appear as undoubtedly astounding ones. Astounding, yes. But this one is not. It's a MASTERPIECE. Perhaps, SCARIOT contrived to deliver most stunning melodic death metal CD I have ever heard. Moreover, they've mixed it with some power metal additions (judging by some of the riffs and, of course, a "clean" voice. No, let's better say, "unimaginably stupendous "clean" voice"). But I beg your pardon, could we expect anything else from a band whose lineup features such individuals as Daniel Olaissen (guitarist / songwriter; BLOOD RED THRONE, SATYRICON), Anders Kobro (drums; IN THE WOODS…, CARPATHIAN FOREST, GREEN CARNATION), Ronni Thorsen (vocals; TRAIL OF TEARS)…??? Yes, an all-star band. But what an all-star band! I gave a listen to few of the alike acts, whose lineup is also comprised of well-known men in the underground (and not only underground), however most of them fail miserably in comparison to SCARIOT. Adding tremendous arrangements and bewitching guitar leads as well as vocal department's variety, we get a uniquely breathtaking CD! Even IN FLAMES with their "Clayman", nor GARDENIAN's "Soulburner" can't beat "Deathforlorn", that's for sure. Yes, "uniquely breathtaking CD", as I already said… but what about that riff ripped off King Diamond's song starting at 2:16 (the second track)…? (Herr Stalhammar)

SOULLESS
"The Darkening Of Days"
self-released
rating: 4 of 6
"Demo re-release"? Well, it sounds too damn good for a demo! If I'm not mistaken, Ohio's SOULLESS are preparing their first "official" CD at the moment, however it's "The Darkening Of Days" what we have to review here. This work comes with ten tracks of harsh although well crafted death metal mildly spiced with thrashy elements. Have anyone of you heard KREATOR's "Outcast"? And what about a band named DEATH? Well, now just combine both and you'll get SOULLESS (especially when it comes to vocal department). Good start, guys!
Email: Chrisdora@webtv.net
       Taognata6@aol.com
(review by Silvanus)

VORACIOUS GANGRENE
"Hooked To Death"
self-released
rating: 4 of 6
In fact, this is nothing special to get high on, nor it is worthless. Actually, it's rather mediocre but still highly enjoyable piece of death / grind. Don't get me wrong when I say "rather mediocre". I just mean that "Hooked To Death" doesn't feature any fascinatingly perceived highlights and stuff like that. Actually, it's always sad to see when a good band has to release a CD on their own - but when I get already third CD from France, with former two also released by death / grind bands (INHUMATE and APOPLEXY) and also on their own… Aarrgghh, it makes me angry. Where do the labels look at? Ah yeah, almost forgot! They prefer to sign various commercial crap (or what else can I say, when even such a legendary act as MALEVOLENT CREATION can't boast with anything besides being a "cult" band!) like some cheesy power or fag black metal. Perhaps, some kind of DM revival takes place over the seas, in USA, however I wouldn't say the same happens in Europe. I'd like to, though. Ok, back to the review. VORACIOUS GANGRENE deliver hellish, furious, hateful… and perfect mixture of death metal and grindcore, lacking any trace of boredom, well performed and well recorded. Rather impressive, to say the least. But still, this MCD doesn't have any highlights to be rated with a better mark. So let's say like, death / grind freaks should buy this one at once, while others have to download mp3 or any stuff like that in order to get at least partly acquainted with VORACIOUS GANGRENE's works.
Email the band at <voraciousgangrene@hotmail.com>, <Pus_and_Sores@hotmail.com> or <crataeguuus@hotmail.com>
(review by Herr Stalhammar)