Rising from the ashes of the band INFESTED, I can safely say this is one of the top death metal LP's of the year (decade?) This is not the most brutal, intricately technical, or blatantly original death I have heard. Mainly it reigns because of the substance and heart that this music carries. Prisons of Flesh has all of the fundamentals of prominence; Both guttural and shrill vocals, doom to death speed range, melody and insanity, catchy grooves, dark/non-progressive atmosphere and addictingly memorable. All of these elements are incorporated at the opportune time leaving this debut LP mature as something that usually doesn't come to bands until their 3rd and 4th albums. Though this band is not a rip-off and remains unique, I must cry BOLT THROWER (the unparalleled masters they are!) I hear major BOLT THROWER influence all through this release, especially the abundant tom-fills, abused high-hat, and raw, slightly muddled double bass that Andy Whale casted on the Warmaster release. The way these two guys tune and play their kits creates a charging, warfare style and sound. I enjoy this style equal to the most complex tech-death percussion. Of Service and Suffering is the only song I can remember with any blast, But Matt Skrzypczak's style didn't even make me miss them.
The riffing as well are similar to B T, medieval and imperialistic. The guitar composition is very smooth, listenable, and compliments the other member's instrumentation. Nothing's worse than some guy who decides to "wank-off the deep end", raping the song of all its worth. Despite the U.S. location (Michigan), Prisons of Flesh comes off as the raw, early 90's European death style (UNLEASHED, old ENTOMBED, MORGOTH) on every song, but Into Eternity. I live and die by American/Floridian style death, but I guess I have been taught a lesson. After all this...Do I really have to tell you to get a copy?!!
"I stare into the dead eyes/Vacant of understanding/ A hunger quenched within/ Until the choice to awaken"
10/10
Other coverage for this album
Dead Zine 1999Reviewed by D_ListerA brutality level like no other. If I had to convey this album in one sentence that would be it. Short and to the point. Obviously a positive sentence, and hopefully inspiring enough to get you to consider buying a copy of this album. Fortunately I've got a little more room to work with and hopefully I will convey those things to you still. Yes you need to seriously consider getting a copy of…Similar sounding releases
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