Review Summary: Uninviting for me at first, but I then grew to admire the gore-themed music it contains.
For some reason, this started off as a 2.5 for me. It was off putting at first, but I gave it another chance. It grew from a 2.5 to a 3, and now it is sitting at a 3.5. Will I give it a 4? Who knows? It could only be a matter of time.
How does one describe Cannibal Corpse? I could describe them as a band that isn’t as well loved, as they are known, even if they are one of the most famous death metal bands out there. They’re that well known probably because of the ‘graphic’ album covers, song names and lyrics to go with them. Hell, it’s what got the album sales of their first three albums banned in certain countries and also got them forbidden for performing songs from those albums.
Speaking of graphic album covers, what’s the cover of The Bleeding? From what I can see, it’s a big pool of blood. On the alternate ‘clean’ cover, it has what I presume is a guy in a pit of zombies.
Sorry about that. I should be more focused on discussing the album.
This is the fourth and final album with Chris Barnes. I’m not too fond of this fellow, but his vocals are aggressive and precise, which suit the band well. The overall musicianship is also fitting for this band. (Often) creepy guitar rhythms (like on Staring Through the Eyes of the Dead), rapid drumming and the bass is almost impossible to not notice. Seriously, there is intense bass throughout the album. The album was probably produced like that so Alex’s talent doesn’t go unnoticed.
The opening track, Staring Through the Eyes of the Dead, has a feeling that matches with the song title. I’m not joking. When I first heard this, I was a little fretful from the rhythm. It sent a chill down my spine, like I actually was laying my eyes upon a bunch of dead people. The guitarists could’ve adjusted on their soloing, but the four solos (it’s like a solo after solo after solo thing) go good with that creepy feeling, so that should count for something.
The first three albums had disturbing song titles. As does this album. The song is ***ed With a Knife. Ugh. Could you imagine that being done in real life? That song has some of the grossest lyrics I’ve ever heard.
Tied tight to the bed
Legs spread open…
…I feel your heart beating
My knife deep inside
Her crotch is bleeding
I think I’ll stop there.
The song following it is Stripped, Raped and Strangled. The lyrics in this one aren’t as unpleasant. Actually, the song is quite catchy (yes, catchy). The song can be off putting due to Chris Barnes’ screaming. Not growling, screaming. He screams in places on other songs too. I don’t know about you, but I heard Barnes whispering on She Was Asking for It.
My least favorite song off of this would have to be Return to Flesh. It starts off with a slow rhythm that will surely get you bored. The start is too trite. It picks up, but it still fails to keep my interest. Along side it would have to be the album closer, An Experiment in Homicide. Same idea as Return to Flesh, only it’s shorter, doesn’t pick up, and it seems even more uninspired to me.
A track I’m fond of for some odd reason is Pulverized. It’s a fast-paced track with very little screaming. One of my favorite parts off of the song is the bridge. I fancy distorted high-string strumming. A song similar to this is the Pick-Axe Murders. I’m not into this song as much as Pulverized, because Barnes screams more and I don’t like the lyrics. If you’re one of the people that can get passed his screaming, you’ll enjoy it more than I did.
What you will find in the album:
- “Graphic” lyrics
- Barnes’ screams (which might not be too pleasant)
- Intense bass throughout
- Eerie guitar rhythms in places
- Speedy drumming here and there
- A couple of unappealing tracks
