UMUR
"Mutilating Process" is a single release by Dutch death metal act Asphyx. The single was released through Gore Records/Nuclear Blast in December 1989. Asphyx formed in 1987 and had at this point already released three demos, the last one being "Crush The Cenotaph" from July 1989. This was their first label release though, which was an important next step in those days. The transition from recording and releasing your own cassette tape demos to suddenly have a tangible (in this case a 7" vinyl) in your hands was magical.
Compared to the lo-fi recorded preceding demo releases the two tracks on the 8:55 minutes long single were recorded at a professional recording studio and it´s audible. Although Asphyx still produce some crushingly heavy and doomy old school death metal the listener is able to hear all details. Every instrument and vocal part are audible in the mix, but "Mutilating Process" still features a raw, brutal, and massive sounding production, which suits the material well.
I´m actually a bit impressed by what Asphyx accomplished during 1989. Honing their songwriting and musicianship through the year culminating in this release. Granted they aren´t the most well playing band (Bob Bagchus is such an untight drummer), but it all adds to the gloomy atmosphere and brutality of the music. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.