LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR — Cannibal Massacre (review)

LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR — Cannibal Massacre album cover Single · 2005 · Sludge Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Cannibal Massacre" is an EP release by US, Chicago based metal act Lair of the Minotaur. The album was released through Southern Lord Recordings in September 2005. It´s the follow-up release to the band´s debut full-length studio album "Carnage" from 2004. Lair of the Minotaur was formed in the spring of 2003 by vocalist/guitarist Steven Rathbone. Rathbone enlisted drummer Larry Herweg (Tusk, Pelican) and bassist Donald James (7000 Dying Rats), to complete the three-piece lineup, who recorded the debut album. "Cannibal Massacre" was recorded by the same trio lineup.

The EP features 2 tracks and a full playing time of 12:54 minutes. The CD version also includes a video for "The Wolf" from "Carnage (2004)". Neither "Cannibal Massacre (Skin Reaping extended mix)" nor "Horns of the Witch" appeared on the debut album though, so we are treated to two new original audio compositions.

Stylistically the material on the EP continues down the raw, noisy, and filthy thrash/doom/sludge metal road as the material on "Carnage (2004)". The sound production is maybe slightly less raw and chaotic sounding than the case was on the debut album, but this is definitely not a polished release either. This is hard-edged, aggressive, and overall an intense musical experience. Lair of the Minotaur are skilled musicians too, so the tight yet organic delivery of the music is worth mentioning, as well as the relatively memorable and adventurous songwriting. This is a melting pot of several different extreme metal styles, and on top of that the band insist on using unconventional song structures, which makes "Cannibal Massacre" a pretty interesting release, but not a particularly accessible one.

It´s the wild energy and savage power which earn them a place in my book, and those elements are great assets to the band´s sound. These guys really sound like they mean it (Rathbone´s vocals are for example delivered with great passion and conviction), and they understand what it takes to deliver this type of music in the most effective way possible, for the greatest impact on the listener. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
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