Sorrow – Death of Sorrow

Emerging from the depths of the early 90s death metal scene, New York’s cult act Sorrow returns with a vengeance on “Death of Sorrow.” This album, originally written in 1992 but left unreleased, picks up right where their debut “Hatred and Disgust” left off, delivering a potent blend of gnarly riffs, guttural vocals, and a healthy dose of doom influences. Let’s embark on a headbanging journey through “Death of Sorrow” track by track.

Track-by-Track Descent into Guttural Glory:

• Doom The World: The album explodes into action with this aptly titled track. Fast tempos, pummeling drums, and Andy Whale’s signature growls set the tone for the sonic assault to come. The riffs are pure early-death-metal mayhem, a welcome dose of nostalgia for fans of the genre’s golden age.
• Judicial Falsity: This track throws in some tempo changes and off-kilter rhythms, showcasing Sorrow’s songwriting prowess. The breakdown in the middle of the song is particularly brutal, a guaranteed neck-snapper for mosh pits everywhere.
• Required Irrationality: A return to a more straightforward approach. This track is a relentless onslaught of blast beats and tremolo-picked guitars. Squealing leads add a touch of chaos to the proceedings, keeping the listener on edge.
• Hidden Fear (Revisited): A surprise lurks here. This track is a re-recording of a song from Sorrow’s early demo, “Apparition.” The new version is nearly twice as long as the original, allowing the band to explore the song’s atmosphere and dynamics more fully. The result is a haunting and oppressive experience.
• Memories Etched in Stone: The tempo slows down here, but the intensity remains. This track is a slow-burning behemoth, showcasing the band’s ability to create a crushing soundscape without relying solely on speed. Whale’s guttural vocals add a layer of despair to the music.
• Someone Else’s Blood: A return to a faster pace. This track is a classic death metal stomper, with a catchy chorus that will stay stuck in your head (in the best way possible). The lyrics, presumably about societal apathy, are delivered with a raw and visceral intensity.
• Societal Decay: This track throws in some unexpected elements. A clean guitar intro gives way to a mid-paced groove that wouldn’t sound out of place on a classic Morbid Angel record. The growled vocals perfectly complement the music, creating a sense of impending doom.
• Death of Sorrow: The album closes with its namesake track. This track is a brutal and unforgiving journey through sonic desolation. The layered guitar work and relentless drumming create a sense of claustrophobia, while Whale’s vocals are a guttural roar of despair. The final note hangs in the air, leaving the listener with a sense of cathartic exhaustion.

Verdict: 4.5 out of 5

“Death of Sorrow” is a triumph for Sorrow. The album sounds fresh despite its age, a testament to the timeless quality of well-written death metal. The production, while raw, perfectly captures the band’s energy and aggression. Fans of early death metal will find much to love here, and those who appreciate bands that stay true to their roots will be impressed by Sorrow’s unwavering commitment to brutality.

A minor caveat: Listeners accustomed to the more polished sound of modern death metal might find the production a bit lo-fi.

However, “Death of Sorrow” is more than just a nostalgia trip. It’s a potent reminder of why death metal became such a force in the early 90s. This is a must-listen for fans of the genre and a welcome return for a band that deserves to be rediscovered.