ASPHYX — The Rack (review)

ASPHYX — The Rack album cover Album · 1991 · Death Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
The Angry Scotsman
My younger brother showed me this band, calling them a doom/death metal band. I was intrigued. Love death metal, but doom I have to be in the mood for. Well, I must say...the combo on this album is superb! I hate to be a genre stickler, but I really do consider this a doom/death metal album. The blend of both is just awesome.

On this album you will hear it all from droning chords and brutally slow drumming to manic tremolo picking and off the wall riffing. Sometimes it shifts from one to the other like a light switch, sometimes it builds. The progression is often done quite well, not too long, but not too quick either. Slow, crushing and heavy for the right amount of time, then to a more midpaced riffy section, then into blistering death metal. Sometimes it is abrupt, sometimes there is a build.

That is part of this albums greatness. It keeps you guessing. You never exactly when, or what, is coming. The album is also brilliantly composed. The doom never goes on for so long it gets boring, the truly death metal sections are never too long either, and their is some great mid paced parts for the complete package.

The music is also quite good. The doom can be anything from long drones, to slow riffs. Honestly, it doesn't matter what part of the song. The riffs will be awesome. The vocals are reminiscent of old death. If you don't know I'd describe it as a "wet" sounding growl. Not a deep death growl but a more natural, throaty, screamy type growl. It can be a bit tough, but I like it. Also, very fitting for the music. Sounds less like cookie monster and more like a suffering human being.

Great album. Perfect blend of doom and death metal and the songs are structured well. Great riffing and guitar work, including solos.

Four Stars
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