UMUR
"Complete Demos" is a compilation release by Swedish death metal act Dismember. The compilation was released through Regain Records in June 2005. It compiles the material from the three Dismember studio demos released in 1988-1990: "Dismembered" (1988), "Last Blasphemies" (1989), and "Reborn in Blasphemy" (1990). Dismember formed in May 1988 as Dismemberizer, but after recording a rehearsal demo ("Rehearsal Tape - 88"), changed their name in time for the release of the "Dismembered" demo, which was released in December 1988. Dismember disbanded in October 1989 after releasing the first two demos, because drummer Fred Estby (and shortly after guitarist David Blomqvist) was asked to join Carnage. They accepted and recorded the "Dark Recollections" album in February 1990, but as band founder/guitarist Michael Amott was asked to join Carcass shortly after the recording sessions and accepted, Carnage split-up, and the remaining members reformed Dismember and recorded the "Reborn in Blasphemy" demo, which they released in August 1990 (even before "Dark Recollections" saw a release in November 1990).
"Complete Demos" is presented in chronological order so it opens with the three tracks from the "Dismembered" (1988) demo. It´s an early version of death metal with grindcore/hardcore traits and a high pitched screaming vocalist in front. The three tracks from the January 1989 "Last Blasphemies" demo shows progression both in terms of the demo featuring a better sounding production job, but also deeper growling vocals. "Complete Demos" concludes with the four tracks from the "Reborn in Blasphemy" (1990) demo, and that demo shows a mature band, which would soon deservedly be signed on the merits of that particular demo. It´s such a high quality death metal demo which reeks quality and skill. While the first two demos are more interesting as historical documents "Reborn in Blasphemy" (1990) is worth listening to over and over again. It´s arguably one of the greatest Swedish death metal demos from those days. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.