UMUR
"The Lament Configuration" is the first demo recording by Norwegian death metal act Disgusting. The demo was recorded and independently released in November 1992. Disgusting was formed in 1992 by lead vocalist/guitarist Lasse Johansen after his formed band Balvaz disbanded. The trio lineup was completed by drummer Lars Kristian Holt and bassist Erik Brattvang.
"The Lament Configuration" is quite the expansive featuring 7 tracks and a total playing time of 25:59 minutes. The recording quality is professional (produced by Raymond Pellicer and Disgusting), and this could just as well have been released as an official studio EP. None of the material from "The Lament Configuration" made it unto Disgusting´s sole studio album "Shapeshifterbirthblues" (1995), so all material is exclusive to this release (at least in this form). The foundation of the dark, morbid, and twisted death metal style of "Shapeshifterbirthblues" is laid here though, and anyone familiar with, and who is a fan of, "Shapeshifterbirthblues" is advised to pay attention here.
This is a high quality demo recording, and Disgusting have a relatively unique sound and style. It´s old school death metal (with the odd nod towards deathgrind) with a raw snarling/shouting vocalist in front. There´s some lower grunting death metal growls used as backing/to double the raw snarling, but otherwise this is a death metal release with very few growling vocals. The musicianship is generally on a high level, and although the music is in no way flashy, it´s obvious that Disgusting are a well playing band. It´s the attitude, aggression, and twisted/morbid atmosphere of their music which are the real winners though. Early Cadaver is the closest relative and most valid reference, but Disgusting have their own style. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.