Absolutely 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 down a bit.
"Comatose" is a standout cut from my perspective, because it takes a somewhat slower riff to build around, along with a nice biting guitar tone. The song reminds me of "Phantom Limb," in that it parallels ignoring Christ with a physical calamity. Lyrically, the band is very explanetory about the central doctrines of Christ, sin, and salvation. "Your Carcass" effectively disects the battle between flesh and spirit. "Malignant Masters" is an interesting tune that blasts "self appointed wise men" that are "infesting colleges and schools," but are "truly only fools." This tune also carries a heavy 'n' hypnotic groove. The band rides the melodic progression out, while each verse is sung, and then they fly into some wild 'n' speedy leads until the next verse.
Without throwing out a bunch of secular band names in an attempt to impress you with my knowledge of the death metal scene, let me just say that this is a good death metal album. Nuff said?!
Other coverage for this album
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…Similar sounding releases
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