Autopsy is a classic old-school death metal band and every
self-respecting death metaller should have at least a couple of Autopsy
releases in their collection. I recently obtained a physical copy of their first
EP, “Retribution for the Dead”, which was released following their legendary
debut album “Severed Survival” and the “Metal Forces” split they did with
Paradise Lost.
First and foremost, it should be pointed out that
“Retribution…” is more of a death/doom hybrid than their earlier material. Each of the three tracks here simply crush, coming across as some of
the most sludgy and bluesy death metal ever put to record. The production is
suitably murky and cavernous; sounding like it was recorded deep within an
ancient crypt.
The three songs featured here; “Retribution for the Dead”,
“Destined to Fester” and “In the Grip of Winter” all run over four minutes and
are top-notch examples of simple, yet beautifully written and well thought out
death metal. Each one has a clear beginning, middle and end, and plenty of
variation whilst still sticking to a mostly slow paced death/doom template.
One thing you’ll definitely notice, is that just about all
of the thrash influence present in many early death metal works is absent here,
leaving Autopsy with a sound similar to what I think a punk-influenced doom
metal band like Saint Vitus would do if they played death metal. Even the few
moments where the pace does speed up sound more akin to a band like Discharge than,
say, Slayer, due to the loose and bass heavy tones present.
“Retribution for the Dead” stands as one of my favourite
death/doom EPs and should be an essential listen for any serious old-school
death metal maniac. There is a clear reason it was tacked on to the end of the
1993 reissue of “Severed Survival” as bonus tracks…
Highlights:
It's three of Autopsy's best songs... obviously each one is a highlight in itself.
Final Rating:
Awesome 8.5/10
