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REVIEW: S.C.A.L.P. - In Memory Of Madness - The Early Years 1994-1995
Bad Moon Man Music, 2007
Bad Moon Man Music (hey, did I say in previous reviews of this label stuff what a strange name this is?) seem to be fond of re-releasing old, buried and forgotten stuff from unknown - at least for me - bands which are probably cult and true in the Russian scene. This seems to be the case. S.C.A.L.P. (apparently standing for "Senses Calming At Dead's Lament Places" - but where's the "D" in the band name???) are a grindy-crunchy-deathy-doomy act whose three early demos have been kindly re-pressed on CD to make the music originally presented on tape available to the people. We're before a grind death band in all their extent, with significant Napalm Death/Carcass influences, and with some deviation towards slow pounding passages which are probably the reason why this band could be categorized as doom by some listeners, and also the outstanding trait that makes this band something special. Anyway, the same as Incantation are not doom, this band is not either, according to the style portrayed in these songs. Deep grunts, extreme distortion, profusion of blastbeats, fuzzy sound, short tracks. These things alone could suggest these Russians are a bunch of grindcore necrofollowers, herd mentality blokes, but believe me when I say they're not the typical grindcore band and their sound is more or less distinguished with a layer of interest. We can even savor the groovy, Xysma-esque cover from Bad Religion's "The American Jesus" and other moments of impact which are entertaining enough to separate this band from the rest. However, it is in their last demo portrayed here (Memory) when the doomier touch is more present, though blastbeats and grindcore feeling are still there kicking the ears and reminding the listener S.C.A.L.P. don't want to get down the pace too much. The melodic shift taken, without losing the aggression and maniac pounding distortion, is welcome and the result gains several points and is probably the highlight in this recollection of tapes put on digital format. Exotic, worthwhile death metal!
| Tracklist |
| 1. Intro |
| 2. The Industry |
| 3. Flying Dutchman |
| 4. Rotting Being |
| 5. B.A.T.S.O.L. |
| 6. Doomed Hopes |
| 7. Profanation Of Saints |
| 8. Madness Cannibalism |
| 9. D.V.O.R.C. |
| 10. Scum |
| 11. C.I.A. |
| 12. The American Jesus |
| 13. A Vicious Circle |
| 14. Next Morning Without Me |
| 15. Doomed Hopes |
| 16. What For? |
: 64:28
| Buy other S.C.A.L.P. albums |
