Thursday, June 7, 2012

Cannibal Corpse "Torture" CD/LP Review


Cannibal Corpse
"Torture"
LP/CD
Released 3/13/12 on Metal Blade Records


I have absolutely loved the Florida based death metal band Cannibal Corpse since the first time I heard them. Loved the material with Chris on vocals (1989 - 1995 - now with Six Feet Under) and George on vocals (1995 - present). 


I have all of Cannibal Corpse's records (yes on vinyl thanks to the reissues last year on Back on Black filling in some holes in my collection). Funny how Paul (drums) and Alex (bass) are the only members of the band to represent for the entire career of Cannibal Corpse. But it explains a lot as to why I love this band (the rhythm section is highly important in this genre). The mix in "Torture" features the precision drumming which keeps everything perfectly measured. There are no odd tempo changes to leave the listener wondering "What the hell was that?", giving the impression the band lost it's place (or rather doesn't know how to properly structure a death/extreme metal song). Cannibal Corpse are professionals. They write perfect songs. The bass is distinctly heard in the mix. You can actually hear the bass, the technique, the machine-like engine propelling each song. You can hear everything. Rather than one distorted blast, this sounds like a death metal BAND. 


Cannibal Corpse start "Torture" off with "Demented Aggression". This had to be a purposeful selection. After eleven albums, Cannibal Corpse must have wanted to prove their speed, their intensity and ability to create a sound that brings to mind an image of live bodies falling into giant gears to be crushed to death. Well, that is at least the image my mind came up with!


There are no weak tracks. "Scourge of Iron" has a beautiful groove that reminds me I need to listen to Celtic Frost soon. "As Deep As The Knife Will Go" is a perfect example of how a band can combine horrific lyrics (yes, if you follow along with the lyrics, I assure you George is actually singing these lyrics and not just growling incoherently), varying tempos and technical musicianship in a creative endeavor that rivals the experience of a horror flick.

"As Deep As The Knife Will Go"


The blade goes in you and it enters smooth
Disturbing moans begin to soothe
Scraping bones with steel to feel it once
Keep pushing hard it never stops

Had to do it
Had to put it in your gut
Nothing to it
Grab the handle let it slice
Heart polluted
As it's cut out of your chest
Gushing fluids
Bleeding it dry

As deep as the knife will go
A life changing transfer of power
As deep as the knife will go

As deep as the knife will go 
Every inch of it in you savored
As deep as the knife will go

The blade has always done it's job well
Seems like it's work is never done
Scraping bone with steel to feel it twice
Keep pushing hard it doesn't stop

Desecrated
A body rid of living
Future faded
Gaping hole from front to back
Heart dissected 
As it sits upon your chest
Gushing fluids 
Drain you empty

As deep a the knife will go
A life changing transfer of power
As deep as the knife will go

As deep as the knife will go
Every inch of it in you savored
As deep as the knife will go

Bleed it dry 
Bleed it dry
Drain you empty 
Drain you empty

Bleed it dry 
Bleed it dry
Drain you empty 
Drain you empty

As deep as the knife will go
A life changing transfer of power
As deep as the knife will go

As deep as the knife will go
Every inch of it in you savored
As deep as the knife will go

I can not wait to see Cannibal Corpse this summer at the Trocadero in Philly PA, Sunday August 5th, 2012. 


The LP version is on clear, blood splattered vinyl. Sweet.

Yours in Precision Bloody Chaos,
Frank FOE


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