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Regarded by many (me included) as a true classic and staple of the death metal genre, Morbid Angel’s "Altars Of Madness" is a great album. To sum it up in two words I would say “energy” and “raw”. This truly is a stripped-to-the-bone, non-stop piece of old school death metal from some of the godfathers of the genre. Starting in ecstatic style with "Immortal Rites" – one of my favourite MA songs – the album rips along in a merciless flow of aggressive riffage while maintaining ample quantities of memorable, catchy elements. There is something about the guitarwork of this band – or perhaps rather lead axeman Trey Azagthoth – which is extremely distinctive. Perhaps the insectoid, maddened solos, or the effortlessly pummelling progressions. This isn’t always particularly complex stuff, but it is very enjoyable and energetic throughout. The vocals are harsh, gruff barks most of the time, with occasional sustained growls. These give a raw, rebellious feel to the music. There are a number of true classics on this album, although the enjoyment is pretty much consistent throughout, as is the composition. Pete Sandoval’s frenzied drums add bucket-loads of excitement and distinction, with crazy blasting or pumping bass drums holding the whole thing rightly aloft. This is a truly enjoyable death metal classic, deserving much praise. While the band arguably moved on to more focused, 100% killer material with their following full-length, "Altars Of Madness" is nonetheless a deservingly revered foundation of a now much developed genre.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Immortal Rites |
| 2. Suffocation |
| 3. Visions From The Darkside |
| 4. Maze Of Torment |
| 5. Lord Of All Fevers And Plague |
| 6. Chapel Of Ghouls |
| 7. Bleed For The Devil |
| 8. Damnation |
| 9. Blasphemy |
| 10. Evil Spells |
: 38.35
| Buy other Morbid Angel albums |
