Necrophagist - Epitaph

Published September 02 2010

*=Staff's pick	Stabwound* The Stillborn One Ignominious & Pale* Diminished To B Epitaph* Only Ash Remains Seven* Symbiotic In Theory

Genre	Tech./Prog. Death Metal	Muhammed Suicmez	Vocals
Tracks	8	Muhammed Suicmez	Guitar
Runningtime	33 Min.	Christian Münzner	Guitar
Label	Relapse	Stefan Fimmers	Bass
Release	03 August 2004	Hannes Grossman	Drums
Country	Germany	-	Keyboard
Producer	Muhammed Suicmez
Similar artists	The Faceless, Decrepit Birth

One can ask why review such an old record as Epitaph, when so much new good music is coming out. Well, one reason is that I personally think that with this record German Necrophagist has produced such a damn fine piece of music that not reviewing the album would actually be, if not a crime, but a serious offence.

The songs on this record are fine examples of a band that obviously has the skill to play technically very challenging stuff, but still enough wits to include so many hooks that it doesn't alienate the listener. There's an abundance of impressions on this record, and although Epitaph is "only" about half an hour long, I still feel that you get plenty of music for your buck.

The one thing that stands out more than anything is the absolutely brilliant guitarwork of Suicmez and Münzner. Scorching riffs in loads, and the solos! Carnage and damnation, the solos are just demonstrations of what you can accomplish on a guitar. But this wouldn't be a good record if only the solos were good and not the rest of the playing.

Stefan Flimmers on bass handles his 6-string ax as if he was born with it attached to him at birth, and the drumming of Grossman is at times as pummeling as you would expect from a tech death band, but sprinkled with plenty of finesse so as to show that this guy is more than just a fast-paced pugilist. The growlingabilities of Suicmez are equally impressive as his guitarwork. A deep, menacing growl that perfectly suits the music emanates from his throat throughout the album.

The production is a bit dry, but don't think Metallicas …And Justice For All whatever you do, as you can hear the instruments very clearly. Needless to say, I'm very much looking forward to Necrophagist next record with quite the enthusiasm!

Performance	Originality	Production	Vocals	Songwriting
9	7	7	8	9

Summary
9 chalices of 10 - Martin