“Embrace the Death” is Asphyx’s true debut album. Although
it didn’t see the light of day until 1996 (Thus making it their 4th
released album), the songs were actually written in 1988/89 and the album was
recorded in 1990. Due to a dodgy label boss pulling a runner with all the
recording money, this brilliant album was lost to the void for a few years.
Unfortunate, as this is one of their best releases.
One peculiar thing you may notice upon hearing this record
is that some of the songs have been released on other Asphyx albums in
rearranged and rerecorded forms; some times appearing under a different title. Most
of these mentioned tracks are presented in a more primitive and raw form here.
The main thing that I like about “Embrace the Death” is that
it showcases Asphyx at their most evil, unpolished and obscure sounding. The
rough and unprofessional production job makes it sound more like a demo than a
full length, which only adds to the dark and heavy feeling.
Most of the songs tend to stick to a slow-to-mid pace,
really focusing on the doomier aspects of the Asphyx signature sound. Sadly,
this and “God Cries” are the only two Asphyx albums that featured the vocal and
bass talents of Theo Loomans (R.I.P.), a man who brought a very rough and
brutal edge to the band. His vocal style didn’t differ too much from Van
Drunan, but his input helped to embrace the more barbaric side of Apshyx, which sets “Embrace the Death”
apart from the rest of their catalog.
“Embrace the Death” is a forgotten classic and an essential part
of any Asphyx collection. Or any old-school death metal collection, really.
Highlights:
Embrace the Death
The Sickened Dwell
Crush the Cenotaph
Final Rating: Awesome [8/10]
