Royal Anguish
Shocking the Priest
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
This 4-song re-release of the band's custom tape shows this Florida band putting out a pretty credible death metal sound. The band has decent intensity and came up with some good riff selections--giving the songs some memorable strength. Some of the bass runs (and rhythms in general), like in "Deny The Corpse," suffer the "this has been played a million times" cliche setback, but it still serves a purpose in helping you remember the song once it's over. Some of the changes in the song succeed in really keeping your interest. Of course, the vocals are growled and meant to convey anger and passion--complimenting the emotions of the lyrics exactly. The band tackles denying Christ, corruption in religion, and abortion in all its graphic nature. While a fast ride through a sampling of Royal Anguish's music, "SHOCKING THE PRIEST" comes out an above-average collection of deathly music. To order via mail from the record company, write A.R.T. at: 4119 N. St. Rd. 7, Suite #1203, Ft. Lauderdale FL 33319.