UMUR
"Overthrow" is an EP release by US, Maryland based death metal/deathgrind act Misery Index. The EP was released through Anarchos Records in July 2001. Misery Index was formed in 2001 by lead vocalist/bassist Jason Netherton after leaving Dying Fetus earlier that same year. He quickly set up Misery Index with his former Dying Fetus colleague/drummer Kevin Talley, and guitarist/vocalist Mike Harrison. This original trio lineup wouldn´t last long, but they did manage to release this debut EP, and few splits.
The original version of the EP features 5 tracks and a total playing time of 15:07 minutes (the cassette tape version features a sixth bonus track). 4 original compositions and a cover of "Dead Shall Rise" by Terrorizer. Later reissues have featured several bonus tracks recorded live on April 6th, 2002 on WERS 88.9's "Nasty Habits" radio programme at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. The live tracks feature a good sound quality and are a nice addition to the original material.
Stylistically the material on "Overthrow" is an almost direct continuation of the brutal and technically well played death metal/deathgrind style of Netherton´s and Talley´s previous band, and it´s impossible not to mention Dying Fetus, because there are so many similarities in sound and style between the two artists at this point (minus the ultra brutal unintellible growling vocals and fast arpeggio guitar sweeps of Dying Fetus). So fans of "Killing on Adrenaline" (1998)/"Destroy the Opposition" (2000)-era Dying Fetus, are strongly advised to give "Overthrow" a listen. This is harsh, energetic, brutal, and aggressive death metal/deathgrind featuring both heavy groove laden sections and fast-paced blasting. Netherton has a strong voice and a commanding delivery, performing his aggressive intelligible growling vocals with great passion and authority.
While there are certainly some extraordinary musicianship on display here, the precision playing is not cold and calculated, but rather organic and raw, providing the music with great authenticity, intensity, and presence. Upon conclusion "Overthrow" is a highly convincing debut release by Misery Index. The band have used their past experiences well, built upon them, and have written and recorded a high quality release and a 4 star (80%) rating is well deserved.