BY STEVE THIRIOT
There are few bands in the death metal scene that carry the weight of legacy quite like Autopsy. Since their inception in 1987, the band has been revered for the ferocity of their sound, an audial obliteration that is both relentless and artistic in equal measure. With "Ashes, Organs, Blood And Crypts", the group has delivered another masterclass in sheer brutality.
From the opening track, "Rabid Funeral", it's clear that Autopsy is on top of their game. The 5:01 runtime offers a journey of unhinged guitar work, unyielding percussion, and guttural vocal onslaughts that would make any fan of the genre salivate in anticipation of what's to come.
"Throatsaw" is a shorter, intense burst of energy, distilling the essence of Autopsy into a mere 2:30. It’s a pummeling reminder that this band can condense their raw power into any time frame, ripping through your eardrums with the precision of a scalpel.
"No Mortal Left Alive" and "Well Of Entrails" both provide the quintessential Autopsy experience. Melding the brutal riffs with skull-crushing drumming that encapsulate the dual nature of death metal: the visceral intensity and the mournful dirges.
The titular track, "Ashes, Organs, Blood And Crypts", is a monstrous epic. It somehow feels both concise and expansive, exploring the thematic elements that make death metal such a uniquely captivating genre.
However, it's tracks like "Bones To The Wolves" and "Marrow Fiend" that showcase the real evolution of the band. There's a sense of maturity in the songwriting and execution, a finesse that only comes with years of mastering one's craft.
The latter part of the album refuses to let up. "Lobotomizing Gods" and "Death Is The Answer" are absolute bangers, providing headbanging rhythms and memorable hooks.
"Coagulation" ends the album on a particularly high note, a final reminder of the band’s ability to combine musicality with raw aggression.
In an era where the definition of 'heavy' is constantly being redefined, Autopsy reminds us of its true essence with "Ashes, Organs, Blood And Crypts". This is not just another death metal record; it's a monument to a legacy, an ode to all things brutal, and a beacon for the future of the genre. Simply put, it's ferocious; in a discography already brimming with classics. If this album doesn’t leave your neck sore from headbanging, nothing will.
Album Drops October 27th Via Peaceville Records