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Everybody knows, or at least they should know, that Blood Red Throne is from Norway. Similarly, everyone by now should be familiar with the history of the band’s individual members. If not, look it up online, lazy bastards! Hahaha. Seriously, among other stops along the way, Blood Red Throne’s Død and Tchort have history together, particularly a stint in Satyricon. Regardless, these Norwegian Black Metal professionals have been expressing their love for Brutal Death Metal -- in the American vein (!) -- mercilessly for over 5 years now.
Let’s start from the start and judge a book, or album, as it were, by its cover. Okay, at least let me comment on it. The artwork for “Altered Genesis” displays a blatant lack of blood, which is a first for Blood Red Throne. I mean, really, you expect blood based on the name alone. Despite that, the cover of BRT’s newest album could be considered a mutation of Cannibal Corpse’s “Vile” and Deicide’s “Once Upon the Cross.” There’s an outstretched, Christ-like figure half-stitched veritcally at the stomach leaking maggots from the split. It’s not quite so creepy but definitely hints at the album’s contents.
And speaking of those innards, although only a paltry pair of years have passed, “Altered Genesis” is light years beyond “Affiliated with the Suffering” in terms of both production and writing -- I’m talkin’ about riffs, people! While Sweden’s godly Bloodbath can be called a rebirth of old school European Death Metal, Blood Red Throne is clearly an old school American Death Metal “revival.” There is more Cannibal Corpse here (Erlend’s bass invokes Alex Webster and Mr. Hustler’s vocals recall both Chris Barnes and George Fisher) than Deicide, but other influences would have to include Suffocation and Malevolent Creation.
There are no real surprises here but everything is done exceptionally well, particularly the juggernaut production that really unleashes relentless riffing. If you were unaware, you might think these sick bastards hailed from the Sunshine State (Florida). If you like the aforementioned bands, this is definitely for you. The brutality relents now and again, allowing some killer leads and grooves to shine, as in “Ripsaw Resentment” just before they blastbeat to its end and in the title track, too. Overall this record is just killer!
Earache Records seems eager to return to some of their former glory by signing excellent Death Metal bands once again, including Blood Red Throne and of course Deicide, never mind such tripe as Adema, faithful listeners. Er, uh, readers. ;D Anyhow, I hope to someday soon see a “This Blood’s For You” tour featuring Blood Red Throne and Bloodbath. That would be truly sick. \m/ All HAIL Norwegian Death Metal!! Get this.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Death To Birth |
| 2. Incarnadine Mangler |
| 3. Tortured Soul Appearance |
| 4. Eye-Licker |
| 5. Mephitication |
| 6. Arterial Lust |
| 7. Flesh To Destroy |
| 8. Ripsaw Resentment |
| 9. Altered Genesis |
| 10. Smite |
| 11. State Of Darkness |
| 12. Deliberate Carnage |
: 49.21
| Buy other Blood Red Throne albums |
