Artist: Carcass Album: Reek of Putrefaction

Year: 1988
Duration: 39:49

A Critical Review of Carcass's Album Reek of Putrefaction

Carcass is a band that pioneered the grindcore and death metal genres. Hailing from Liverpool, they have been active since 1985, and their music has influenced countless other artists. Their album Reek of Putrefaction, released in 1988, is a cornerstone of the genre.

I recently listened to the album again and was struck by how innovative and influential it still sounds. In this post, I'm going to take a critical look at the album, exploring its history, genre, best songs, and innovative parts.

History:

Carcass began as a grindcore band heavily influenced by punk rock and the DIY ethos. They self-released their first demo in 1987, and soon got the attention of Earache Records, a British independent label specializing in extreme metal and grindcore. Reek of Putrefaction was their first full-length release, following two EPs.

Genre:

Grindcore is a genre of extreme metal that emphasizes speed, aggression, and rawness. Carcass's early sound was closer to traditional grindcore, but they incorporated elements of death metal on Reek of Putrefaction. The album features fast, chaotic riffing, pummeling drums, and guttural vocals that are typical of the genre.

Best Songs:

One of the standout tracks on the album is Exhume to Consume. The song is a brutal assault from start to finish, with jagged riffs, blast beats, and some of the most disturbing lyrics I've ever heard. Another highlight is Genital Grinder, a short burst of energy that showcases the band's technical abilities. Crepitating Bowel Erosion and Swarming Vulgar Mass of Infected Virulency are also worth mentioning, as they highlight the band's use of gore and medical terminology in their lyrics.

One of the standout tracks on the album is Exhume to Consume. The song is a brutal assault from start to finish, with jagged riffs, blast beats, and some of the most disturbing lyrics I've ever heard. Another highlight is Genital Grinder, a short burst of energy that showcases the band's technical abilities. Crepitating Bowel Erosion and Swarming Vulgar Mass of Infected Virulency are also worth mentioning, as they highlight the band's use of gore and medical terminology in their lyrics.

Innovative Parts:

One of the most innovative things about Reek of Putrefaction is its production. The album was recorded in just four days, which led to a raw, unpolished sound that fit the music perfectly. The use of medical sound samples and gory artwork on the album cover also set it apart from other extreme metal releases at the time.

Critic:

While Reek of Putrefaction is undoubtedly a classic of the genre, it's not without flaws. The album's production is intentionally rough, but it can be hard to listen to for extended periods. The vocals, in particular, can be grating and hard to understand. Additionally, some of the songs on the album feel a bit repetitive, with a reliance on fast, aggressive riffing at the expense of melody and dynamics.

All in all, Reek of Putrefaction is a landmark album that helped shape the grindcore and death metal genres. It's not for everyone, but for those who appreciate extreme music, it's essential listening. While it has its flaws, its influence on the genre cannot be denied. Carcass went on to release several more albums, evolving their sound over the years, but Reek of Putrefaction remains a classic and a testament to the band's raw power and innovation.