Wow... this grindcore from the midwest has some serious likeness to secular artist dying fetus. Chaotic blast beats and rhythmic grinding with that... barked out growl that is less guttural and more just... deep. It is an interesting point to make that the lyric insert claims "there are no effects on these vocals" ... umm... or something to that effect. It is very noticeable in this album as there are times i would say, "why those vocals? they're kinda annoying" and there are other times i would say, "wow... those vocals rock!" Regardless, the vocals are there for better or for worse. There are a big group of influences that make themselves known throughout this album. The first and foremost influence would be death metal. Blast beats, growling vocals, and just the overall death metal chaos is ever-present on the songs in this album. The second biggest influence would be thrash. HEAVILY influenced by thrash, some moments sound more like an old mortal enemy or seventh angel out-take than a death metal band. But don't be fooled, for a death metal band they are. Songs like Commotes and Decrepit drive home the rhythmic death metal style on this album.
Lyrically, this album focuses on the failures of man and the greatness of God. Some decent lyrics in this album. My one complaint with the lyrics would have to be their structure. It sometimes feels too cheesy to take serious... but maybe it's just my bias again eh?
Anyway, a solid death metal album that in times, goes back a long way into the very roots of death metal.
If you happen to get the version of this cd with the extra songs, this is the plagued demo. It has poor quality but is fairly decent thrash almost identical style to that of Mortal Enemy.
Overall, I'd say this album is worth a purchase of up to about $15 (American). Not the best, but a very good death metal album when compared to many acts that are out there.
7/10
Other coverage for this album
Dead Zine 2003Reviewed by CeebNot since Cannibal Corpse has a more pure death metal voice come to my attention than Luke Renno, who also plays bass. If you don't play music, just imagine talking to someone about a technical topic and taking notes from a person speaking out loud. It is unreal, and not usually attempted in the death metal world since the music is so technical. Crimson Thorn is no exception. The music is blazing…Salt #28Reviewed by Nick RobertsThis is one band that definitely deserves a good review. Deep, gutteral vocals with no FX! Speedy, intense music, & excellent lyrics. Even though every word drills into your head that Christ is Lord & Saviour. Musically, it's similar to the new Suffocation & definitely an equal. Low tuned guitars & lots of crunch. A must for any grind core fan. (Notice that this is a re-release by R.E.X. Records…The Lighthouse June 1996Reviewed by Michael TullochThis is a project I've been waiting to sink my teeth into for some time-Crimson Thorn's debut. Style? With a name like Crimson Thorn, take a wild guess... Time's up! Alex Trebek says, "What is Death/grind metal?" There are no acoustic guitars here, so it's not Nonexistent: The Lost Demo. And it's not special effects laden, like Bathory, nor ridiculously repetitive like Napalm Death. With short,…Salt #26Reviewed by BooMan, Oh man, what have I been missing? was my first thought when listening to this C.D. I had always shunned this band because of the cheesy art work on their cover. Boy am I dumb, this is some of the best death metal out there. Just open the cover and leave your cheese boots at the door. Everything from the killer guitar tones, blast beats, and vocals that make you imagine he's going to eat his…Heaven's Metal #50Reviewed by Doug Van PeltAbsolutely no effects were used on any vocals on this album. This is the real stuff here! This band holds down a tight groove as fine as any, and the vocals of Luke Renno growl with confidence. Guitarists Miles Sunde and Paul Jongeward know how to crunch it up mainstream style, as evidenced in the Metallica-like riff in "Cultivated Decay." These guys, along with drummer Kevin Sundberg, don't slow…Similar sounding releases
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