Death metal bands that sound like real bands.
October 19, 2007 4:16 PM Subscribe
What are some great modestly produced death metal bands/albums?
I have recently developed a bit of Suffocation's eponymous album. I have flirted with death metal in the past, but I mark this album as the first one I have truly delved into and enjoyed. It excited me to think that suddenly there was this large untapped resource of new metal waiting for me to discover.
But the new things I've tried so far have dismayed me. I picked up a Vader album and a Behemoth album and was immediately turned off by the overproduction, specifically of the drums. Mike White of Suffocation's drums sound huge and, when he blasts, threaten even to take over the rest of the band. But at the same time they sound like real, live drums. As a drummer, I just can't bring myself to abide drums that sound like they were programmed in MIDI.
What are some good death metal bands who utilize realistic production, or, barring that, what are some death metal albums that are so good that I'll be able to deal with the stupid production?
I have recently developed a bit of Suffocation's eponymous album. I have flirted with death metal in the past, but I mark this album as the first one I have truly delved into and enjoyed. It excited me to think that suddenly there was this large untapped resource of new metal waiting for me to discover.
But the new things I've tried so far have dismayed me. I picked up a Vader album and a Behemoth album and was immediately turned off by the overproduction, specifically of the drums. Mike White of Suffocation's drums sound huge and, when he blasts, threaten even to take over the rest of the band. But at the same time they sound like real, live drums. As a drummer, I just can't bring myself to abide drums that sound like they were programmed in MIDI.
What are some good death metal bands who utilize realistic production, or, barring that, what are some death metal albums that are so good that I'll be able to deal with the stupid production?
Anything by In Flames or Soilwork... both considered more in the "Melodic Death Metal" vein... two of my favorite bands... They're pretty produced these days, but it's not for lack of power or talent - see either of them live for backup of that...
Older stuff from them is way less produced.. there's just more synthy additive stuff on the newer ones.
posted by twiggy at 4:44 PM on October 19, 2007
Older stuff from them is way less produced.. there's just more synthy additive stuff on the newer ones.
posted by twiggy at 4:44 PM on October 19, 2007
Check out Edge of Sanity, too. Unorthodox is probably most in line with what you're looking for, but for my money their great albums are Spectral Sorrows and Purgatory Afterglow. Their first album is a little too generic to get excited about.
Entombed's debut Left Hand Path should interest you.
Not wanting to overlook the obvious, how well do you know Death's discog? I'm most inclined toward the albums from Human forward, all brilliant - but pretty steadily tending toward incorporating more progressive elements and less of the somewhat monochrome sound of a Suffocation album. If you want more of a "pure death" sound the first few albums are maybe more your cup of tea, and they can't be called overproduced - though the playing's plenty sharp.
posted by Wolfdog at 5:05 PM on October 19, 2007
Entombed's debut Left Hand Path should interest you.
Not wanting to overlook the obvious, how well do you know Death's discog? I'm most inclined toward the albums from Human forward, all brilliant - but pretty steadily tending toward incorporating more progressive elements and less of the somewhat monochrome sound of a Suffocation album. If you want more of a "pure death" sound the first few albums are maybe more your cup of tea, and they can't be called overproduced - though the playing's plenty sharp.
posted by Wolfdog at 5:05 PM on October 19, 2007
I would definitely like to start by mentioning Undoing Ruin by Darkest Hour and Unhallowed by the Black Dahlia Murder.
Battle Cry Under a Winter Sun by Three Inches of Blood
Made Me Do It by The Haunted
You should FOR SURE listen to anything by Zebulon Pike.
More to come.
posted by baphomet at 5:13 PM on October 19, 2007
Battle Cry Under a Winter Sun by Three Inches of Blood
Made Me Do It by The Haunted
You should FOR SURE listen to anything by Zebulon Pike.
More to come.
posted by baphomet at 5:13 PM on October 19, 2007
I am more of a Black Metal fan, but early Six Feat Under is quite enjoyable.
Seeking to gain a convert, give Emperor a spin.
posted by munchingzombie at 6:51 PM on October 19, 2007
Seeking to gain a convert, give Emperor a spin.
posted by munchingzombie at 6:51 PM on October 19, 2007
Response by poster: Thanks for the tips, guys.
Already a fan and second the nods toward early Morbid Angel, The Haunted made me do it, and Death. RIP Chuck.
I have Unhallowed. Every once in awhile I put it on for shits and giggles, but never pay enough attention. But each time I like it a little more. Good production as well.
I've only heard a little bit of Entombed, I will definitely check out Left Hand Path. I will also check out Edge of Sanity--I hadn't even heard of them, as well as Darkest Hour.
Munching Zombie--if I ever save up enough money for the corpsepaint and decide to take the plunge into the black metal abyss, I will give Emperor a whirl. Plus, right now now my gauntlets and halberd are in the shop. And my hooded skeleton quarterhorse has chapped nostrils from snorting out all that black fire.
I jest. Thanks all for the hints. Carnage will ensue.
posted by Darth Fedor at 7:51 PM on October 19, 2007
Already a fan and second the nods toward early Morbid Angel, The Haunted made me do it, and Death. RIP Chuck.
I have Unhallowed. Every once in awhile I put it on for shits and giggles, but never pay enough attention. But each time I like it a little more. Good production as well.
I've only heard a little bit of Entombed, I will definitely check out Left Hand Path. I will also check out Edge of Sanity--I hadn't even heard of them, as well as Darkest Hour.
Munching Zombie--if I ever save up enough money for the corpsepaint and decide to take the plunge into the black metal abyss, I will give Emperor a whirl. Plus, right now now my gauntlets and halberd are in the shop. And my hooded skeleton quarterhorse has chapped nostrils from snorting out all that black fire.
I jest. Thanks all for the hints. Carnage will ensue.
posted by Darth Fedor at 7:51 PM on October 19, 2007
Autopsy
Abscess
Axis of Advance
Asphyx
Bloodbath
Bolt Thrower
Dismember (early)
Grave (early)
Incantation
Morgoth
Nocturnus
Pestilence
Unleashed
These are all pretty raw, production-wise, though they tend towards early death metal that's not so techy as Suffocation. If it's technicality that floats your boat try Decapitated, Yattering and Human Remains and Origin.
Enjoy!
posted by The Straightener at 8:01 PM on October 19, 2007 [1 favorite]
Abscess
Axis of Advance
Asphyx
Bloodbath
Bolt Thrower
Dismember (early)
Grave (early)
Incantation
Morgoth
Nocturnus
Pestilence
Unleashed
These are all pretty raw, production-wise, though they tend towards early death metal that's not so techy as Suffocation. If it's technicality that floats your boat try Decapitated, Yattering and Human Remains and Origin.
Enjoy!
posted by The Straightener at 8:01 PM on October 19, 2007 [1 favorite]
Deicide.
Sepultura's early stuff.
Carcass.
Napalm Death.
Malevolent Creation.
posted by infinitywaltz at 10:34 PM on October 19, 2007
Sepultura's early stuff.
Carcass.
Napalm Death.
Malevolent Creation.
posted by infinitywaltz at 10:34 PM on October 19, 2007
Skimming down the iTunes library:
Disillusion - Back to the times of splendor
The Absence (A great Tampa band)
Agalloch (More doomy, but awsome)
Anata - The Conductor's Departure
Atheist
Blood Tsunami - Thrash Metal (Tchort does a pretty good job on drums)
seconding Bloodbath
Cephalic Carnage (really weird stuff)
Cryptopsy
Dark Tranquillity (Every CD is awesome, but they are Melodic Death)
Demonoid
Detonation - Portals to Uphobia
Diabolic
Dying Fetus
Hate Eternal
High On Fire - Death Is This Communion
Hypocrisy (Targarten is a badass)
Immolation
Insomnium
Kataklysm
Miseration
Nile
Obituary
Opeth
Vehemence
...(not very) sorry this is so long :)
posted by Ikazuchi at 8:13 AM on October 20, 2007
Disillusion - Back to the times of splendor
The Absence (A great Tampa band)
Agalloch (More doomy, but awsome)
Anata - The Conductor's Departure
Atheist
Blood Tsunami - Thrash Metal (Tchort does a pretty good job on drums)
seconding Bloodbath
Cephalic Carnage (really weird stuff)
Cryptopsy
Dark Tranquillity (Every CD is awesome, but they are Melodic Death)
Demonoid
Detonation - Portals to Uphobia
Diabolic
Dying Fetus
Hate Eternal
High On Fire - Death Is This Communion
Hypocrisy (Targarten is a badass)
Immolation
Insomnium
Kataklysm
Miseration
Nile
Obituary
Opeth
Vehemence
...(not very) sorry this is so long :)
posted by Ikazuchi at 8:13 AM on October 20, 2007
Early Carcass is noisy grind, which is great but not really in tune with what you've asked for. However, their third album, Necroticism, is just what the doctor ordered!
posted by macdara at 10:24 AM on October 20, 2007
posted by macdara at 10:24 AM on October 20, 2007
Also, since you mentioned Suffocation, the first Origin album (S/T) might be up your alley. Yes, the drums on it are partially triggered, but they don't sound programmed, and there's an undeniable groove to the whole record that sets it apart. Shame they lost that with everything else they've done since.
posted by macdara at 10:28 AM on October 20, 2007
posted by macdara at 10:28 AM on October 20, 2007
Ahab - The Call of the Wretched Sea
Facebreaker - Bloodred Hell
Anaal Nathrakh - Eschaton
Mors Principium Est - Liberation
Demilich - Nespinthe
Sentenced - Amok/North From Here
Rotting Christ - Triarchy of the Lost Lovers
Hypocrisy - The Arrival
Conducting From the Grave - Trials of the Forsaken
Witchery - Don't Fear the Reaper
Graveworm - Engraved in Black
Hecate Enthroned - Kings of Chaos
Rudra - Kurukshetra
Xasthur - Subliminal Genocide
Samael - Ceremony of Opposites
Ufomammut - Snail King
That's off the top of my head. I really recommend that Facebreaker album. It's one of those that doesn't really sound right unless you turn it way up and give it your full attention - which is what all good metal should be.
posted by Demogorgon at 3:57 PM on October 20, 2007 [1 favorite]
Facebreaker - Bloodred Hell
Anaal Nathrakh - Eschaton
Mors Principium Est - Liberation
Demilich - Nespinthe
Sentenced - Amok/North From Here
Rotting Christ - Triarchy of the Lost Lovers
Hypocrisy - The Arrival
Conducting From the Grave - Trials of the Forsaken
Witchery - Don't Fear the Reaper
Graveworm - Engraved in Black
Hecate Enthroned - Kings of Chaos
Rudra - Kurukshetra
Xasthur - Subliminal Genocide
Samael - Ceremony of Opposites
Ufomammut - Snail King
That's off the top of my head. I really recommend that Facebreaker album. It's one of those that doesn't really sound right unless you turn it way up and give it your full attention - which is what all good metal should be.
posted by Demogorgon at 3:57 PM on October 20, 2007 [1 favorite]
Not pure deathmetal, but the the 2005 mix of the Burn the Priest CD or Lamb of God's New American Gospel have some *amazing* drumming and are mixed just about perfectly to my ears.
posted by john m at 5:25 PM on October 20, 2007
posted by john m at 5:25 PM on October 20, 2007
I should add Death Breath to the list, Stinking Up the Night and Let it Stink are raw as a sore in the production department.
posted by The Straightener at 6:54 AM on October 21, 2007
posted by The Straightener at 6:54 AM on October 21, 2007
Response by poster: Again, thanks all. Now I have some places to begin my search.
posted by Darth Fedor at 1:18 PM on October 21, 2007
posted by Darth Fedor at 1:18 PM on October 21, 2007
eh i'm a little late but you might want to check out John Darnielle's (front man/only man of the Mountain Goats) blog ode to death metal, Last Plane to Jakarta
posted by Soulbee at 1:44 PM on October 24, 2007
posted by Soulbee at 1:44 PM on October 24, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Wolfdog at 4:21 PM on October 19, 2007