Royal Anguish
Shocked Into Pieces
Reviewed by Jeff Lott
Here's another Florida band in the ever-growing death metal genre to sink your teeth into. When I saw the blank tape with no label, I wasn't expecting much. "Shocked Into Pieces" isn't half bad. In fact, I was kind of surprised. All four songs: "Shocking the Priest," "Die Inside," "Deny the Corpse" and "Rest in Pieces" are blazing: machine gun drums, fast guitars and impossible-to-understand lyrics; but the production is above average, making the tape enjoyable to listen to. Musically, all four songs are pretty good. These Florida boys are making good use of the massive death metal scene in their area, and their chops show they're doing their homework, as well as working up their own brand. If the secular death metal labels, like Road Runner, Grindcore, Earache, etc. were signing Christian death metal bands, they'd probably be talking to Royal Anguish. Their vocalist reminds me a lot of Mike Tyrone (ex-Sacrament). Believe me, your neck should be stiff from the headbanging after listening to this tape. Pretty decent effort. Gotta go put rubbing alcohol on my neck (it's kinda sore). To order, send a blank tape and $2; or $4 to: PO Box 7135, Boca Raton FL 33431.