Rough Edge: Exhumed CD Reviews

EXHUMED

"Anatomy is Destiny (Relapse; 2003)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Exhumed is one of those bands whose image and graphic nature garner tons of attention, both good and bad. On this, the Bay Area gore metal outfit's third installment of splatter metal, the production value is considerably better than most other acts in the genre, thanks to Neil Kernon's golden metal touch. Add in a grind-gore background with highlights of breakthrough metal bands like Slayer and Carcass, and the 11-track ode to blood and guts becomes memorable - unlike the work of many of their peers. Well, at least enough to grasp the Grade A solo in "Under The Knife" or the foreboding intro of the cleverly titled "Grotesqueries."

Some of "Anatomy is Destiny" is still pretty goddamn unintelligible, but Exhumed know that, and balance out the flash flood of meaty riffs and thunderous drum blasts with slower, almost groovier "South of Heaven"-esque passages. That's why this band may be the biggest thing for gore metal since Carcass brought the genre from the bowels of hell nearly fifteen years ago; they understand the all-around notion of being extreme and are still pushing the envelope.

For more information, check out http://www.exhumed.us.

"SlaughterCult" (Relapse; 2000)

Reviewed by TBJ

As stated in their promo CD: "Coagulating the extremes of goregrind and death metal, Exhumed deliver blazing, bloodsoaked brutality forged in fire and formed in flame." Yeah, whatever.

I'm just not sure how many of these bands will be formed until someone just flat out tells them it's not cool to be un-musical (if that's a word). There's nothing wrong with blast beats, frenzied guitars and screechy-growly vocals. The problem is that Carcass did it all fifteen years ago and, if you can't add anything new to it, then just be a cover band.

There isn't much I can say to spare this CD any humiliation. The production is bad, you really can't understand what the vocalist is saying (if he's saying anything) and I'm not sure there's even a bass player in the band.

One good thing I will say about "SlaughterCult" is, if you are a diehard grindcore fan, this will be just perfect for you. If you are not familiar with this type of music just get some early Napalm Death or Carcass instead. At least they showed promise and, to some extent, delivered.

Exhumed is: Matt Harvey - "Goresaw and Deathroat"; Col Jones - "Corpseblaster"; Mike Beams - "Electric Exorcism and Ribcage Rapture"

For more info on Exhumed visit www.relapse.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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