Just a year after their critically acclaimed “Morbidly Triumphant,” death metal legends Autopsy return with another gruesome masterpiece: “Ashes, Organs, Blood, and Crypts.” This isn’t a sophomore slump; it’s a masterclass in brutality, proving the band hasn’t lost a single step in their decades-long career.
The album title itself is a macabre statement of intent. It’s a visceral list, conjuring images of decaying flesh and the cold finality of death. This theme permeates the music, with lyrics dripping with gore and guttural growls that sound like pronouncements from the grave.
Musically, “Ashes, Organs, Blood, and Crypts” is a churning vortex of pure, unadulterated death metal. Grinding riffs, pummeling drums, and Chris Reifert’s signature vocals all combine to create an atmosphere of suffocating dread. Yet, amidst the sonic savagery, there’s a surprising amount of musicality. The band weaves in moments of melody and tempo changes, keeping the listener engaged throughout the album’s 41-minute runtime.
Tracks like “Rapid Funeral” and “Throatsaw” are pure adrenaline blasts, while “Well of Entrails” takes a more atmospheric approach, building tension with slow, doom-laden riffs. The title track itself is an epic journey, clocking in at over 17 minutes, taking the listener on a descent into the bowels of the crypt.
This album isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a brutal, uncompromising listen that revels in its own morbidity. But for fans of old-school death metal, “Ashes, Organs, Blood, and Crypts” is a dream come true. It’s a potent reminder of why Autopsy are considered one of the genre’s most influential bands.
Highlights:
- Unrelenting brutality combined with surprising musicality
- Guttural vocals and pulverizing riffs
- Varied song structures that keep the listener engaged
Overall:
A must-listen for fans of death metal and a testament to Autopsy’s enduring legacy.
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