Essential Bands - MORBID ANGEL


These Tampa legends should need no introduction, but for anyone that does need one...

Altars Of Madness was the debut full-length, and is one of the most revered and influential death metal releases of all time. Recorded at Morrisound in 1988, it was released on Earache in 1989; with artwork from Dan Seagrave. From the opening track (Immortal Rites) to the closer (Evil Spells), it's a powerhouse.



1991's Blessed Are The Sick was the follow-up, which has proved to be almost as influential as its predecessor. Also recorded at Morrisound (and indeed released by Earache), it boasts a significant progression where production values are concerned; not to mention a wealth of great material.



Offering number three was Covenant, released in 1993 by Earache/Giant. In part due to Giant's involvement, it went on to become the all-time best-selling death metal album. Whatever the reasons behind its commercial success, 'selling out' was not among them.


Giant also teamed up with Earache for 1995's Domination, the final record from the first David Vincent era. Less of a fan favourite than the unholy trilogy which preceded it, it is a strong effort nonetheless.



Morbid Angel isn't the most accessible act, more of an acquired taste; but acquiring that taste (and these albums, here) is certainly worthwhile.

There might well be a post/posts covering the Steve Tucker incarnation of the band in the future...

...and you can read about David Vincent's new project (Vltimas) here.

Popular posts from this blog

Incantation - Unholy Deification [REVIEW]

Image
Following the  Tricennial Of Blasphemy  compilation late last year, Incantation are back. This time with their twelfth full-length, Unholy Deification. This band doesn't have a bad album, and the bar is particularly high going into this one - following 2020's excellent Sect Of Vile Divinities, and other modern classics such as 2014's Dirges Of Elysium. ...and it doesn't disappoint. If anything, it surpasses expectations. Aggressive-but-accessible; well-written, well-executed; and it flows very well indeed. Just the right amount of dirt in the production, and also just the right amount of sheen. It's great to see a band still making inspired music more than three decades into their career. You can stream the release below, and purchase a copy here .
Read more

Deicide - Banished By Sin [Forthcoming Release]

Image
Banished By Sin is album number thirteen from these death metal legends. It has been six years since Deicide 's last effort, and has felt like longer thanks to this one having been teased for so long - it was announced seven months ago, and we only got to hear the first single (which can be found at the bottom of this post) on Christmas Day. It will finally be released on 26th April, brought to us by new label Reigning Phoenix Music. The last couple of albums were excellent, so hopes are very high going into this one.
Read more

Hell's Coronation ‎– Transgression Of A Necromantical Darkness [REVIEW]

Image
Doom-laden black metal from Poland here. ...and an early album-of-the-year contender. Released on Godz Ov War, this sophomore effort really is quite sublime. Intense and powerful, eerie and atmospheric, cadaverous goodness. You can preview/download it below, and pick up a copy here . The band's earlier offerings are also well worth checking. Transgression of a Necromantical Darkness by HELL'S CORONATION
Read more