Artist: Benediction Album: The Grand Leveller

Year: 1991
Duration: 0:0-1

A of Benediction's The Grand Leveller: A Must-Listen for Death Metal Fans

For the metalheads out there, death metal is one of the most extreme and fierce sub-genres of metal music. If you're looking to delve into this genre, it is worth checking out one of the pioneers of death metal – Benediction. The Birmingham-based band released their third album, The Grand Leveller, in 1991, and it is still considered a classic in the death metal genre. Let's dive into the album's history, its genre, best songs, innovative parts, and a that every music enthusiast should know.
Benediction was formed in 1989 and grew in popularity in the early '90s with the release of The Grand Leveller. The band's sound could be characterized as blackened death metal, with guttural growls, intricate riffs, and blasting drums. The album was produced by Scott Burns, known for producing other landmark death metal albums, including Sepultura's Beneath The Remains and Obituary's Cause of Death. The Grand Leveller is all about the unconventional arrangements, atmospheric sounds, and mood-driven textures that set it apart from other death metal albums.
The Grand Leveller consists of ten tracks, each of which has its own style and sound. The standout tracks are `The Grand Leveller,' `Graveworm,' and `Opulence of the Absolute.' The Grand Leveller opens the album with intense, heavy and aggressive vocals, with guitar riffs that serve as a consistent foundation throughout the entire song. On the other hand, `Graveworm' is a slower, more atmospheric song that showcases the band's impressive musicianship. Finally, `Opulence of the Absolute' stands out with its haunting intro and epic mid-section that comprises melodic guitar leads mixed with bass lines and keyboard playing.
Musically, The Grand Leveller doesn't showcase anything groundbreaking. However, Benediction's unique sound, vocal performance, and musicianship, make them one of the essential death metal bands of the early '90s. Considering the technical death metal bands that emerged in the late 90s, The Grand Leveller can be considered as a stepping stone for musicians who initiated the genre-specific technical abilities.
The production of The Grand Leveller sets the standard for future death metal albums. Even though the mix is a bit muddy, Benediction's use of reverb and heavy distortion gives the album a distinctive sound, making it outstanding against other death metal albums of the era. Scott Burns did an excellent job of balancing Benediction's raw, organic sound with the necessary clarity to make everything audible.
Benediction's The Grand Leveller is a must-listen for the death metal fans out there. While it has its shortcomings, it is an essential album for death metal history enthusiasts. The medley of different elements of death metal with Benediction's sound creates an intense and unique listening experience. The intricate songwriting and innovative production still hold up today, more than two decades after its release. Whether you are an old-school death metal fan, or just looking for some new music, give The Grand Leveller a listen and experience Benediction's influence on death metal first-hand.