1990 was a year where death metal really started to blossom around the world. Bands like Entombed and Carnage released their debut full-lengths (which would later go on to be some of the most respected albums of the entire genre) and soon to be giants of the genre Deicide and Cannibal Corpse would also release their first albums. But what about little ol' Pungent Stench from Austria? Their debut "For God Your Soul... For Me Your Flesh" is a really fun mix of death metal and early grindcore, basically sounding like a cross between Obituary and Terrorizer.
The vocals are almost identical to John Tardy's, but that's not the only reason this band could be compared to Obituary. Some of the more thrash-oriented riffs, as well as the doomy chords reek of "Slowly We Rot" influence, the title track in particular. The opening chords are heavy and have that doomy feel, the midpaced riffs masked by the incoherent growls of the vocalist and the whammy fest all sound like they could find a home on an Obituary record. The Terrorizer influence comes from the very catchy midpaced riffs that are made to wreck your neck. In place of a typical death metal tremolo section, amazing midpaced riffs are to be found instead like on the track "Just Let Me Rot" as well as the awesome riffs in the song "Pungent Stench." Seriously, if you can't hear the resemblance between some of those riffs and the midpaced monsters from "World Downfall," then you need to seek psychiatric help.
One thing about Pungent Stench that is really intriguing is the lack of any kind of melody or technical proficiency. This album is just raw and aggressive, but at the same time highly memorable. The simplicity of songs like "A Small Lunch" and "Blood, Pus and Gastric Juice" are perfect reminders as to why primitive, early death metal is indeed the best way to make this kind of music. Both songs feature a great mix of the slower and near sludge sounding chords and riffs with some brilliant heavy riffs, while also giving the bassist a chance to show off his skills and add some serious low end heaviness.
While "For God Your Soul... For Me Your Flesh" may not be the greatest death metal album ever, or even the year that it was released, it is still a quality listen that any fan of filthy music could enjoy.
Highlights
"Just Let Me Rot"
"Pungent Stench"
"A Small Lunch"
Final Rating
Awesome [8.6/10]
