The problem with Cannibal Corpse is twofold: First, there are many
bands today aping the blood-smeared gore-grind metal that the Buffalo,
N.Y., band pioneered 20 years ago, causing the Corpse to sound less
inspired with each passing release. Second, the band members’
musicianship is so accomplished at this point that the raw energy that
made earlier albums like Tomb of the Mutilated such unruly fun
has been somewhat obscured by slicker (i.e., digital) recording
techniques.
Of course, back in the late ’80s, no one expected the Corpse to
carve out a lengthy career à la Motörhead. But if you’re an
extreme metalhead with any sense of history, Evisceration Plague likely sounds better than it is.
Gone are such in-your-face titles as “I Cum Blood” and “Meat Hook
Sodomy,” replaced with more abstract, darkly poetic phrases like
“Carrion Sculpted Entity” and “Priests of Sodom.” Lyrics still dwell on
the unthinkable, of course, but not to the same absurd
degree—which isn’t to say the Corpse has grown soft. The band
hits harder than ever, and Erik Rutan’s (Hate Eternal) production
accentuates every evil riff and snare-drum crack. If you’re a longtime
fan, you’ll admire Plague for its devastating sonic wallop and
guitarists Pat O’Brien and Rob Barrett’s enhanced riffage.
Sure, newer acts like Pig Destroyer may be outpacing the Corpse in
terms of sheer butchery, but there’s something to be said for
old-school gore-grind. That something is this: Sleep with the lights on
after experiencing Plague.
This article appears in Apr 16-22, 2009.