Gothic – “Criminal Art Motivations”
I haven’t heard an album so intense in ages, and I must say that this release is an excellent example that contains a mixture of grind, death, and hardcore. Combining a screaming / screeching attack ala Carcass and early Napalm Death, and a low vocal approach that doesn’t really sound like anybody, well, to my knowledge. The music also reminds me of early Napalm Death (“Scum”), with a mix of “Harmony Corruption” at times, but I tell you now that they have their own distinctive sound as far as being able to tell who is who, unlike all the Cannibal Corpse clones that exist in the scene. The riffs on this album are the kind that would make a crowd all happy joy in a lovable pit, while other riffs are just a blast beat frenzy tearing at your eardrums. Song #9, the title track, has a black metal haunting sound to it. Very, very disturbing. A lot of screaming, talking, and the sound effects are eerie. If you’re into the bands mentioned beforehand, or even if you’re not, I really suggest you check this release out. The only negative aspect to this release, it’s only 33 minutes long.