This is a band whose name screams forefathers of the American death metal scene, that being the case, they only have two records behind them, although the second effort ‘Promise’ was well “beyond” (couldn’t help it!) their debut ‘From Beyond’ which is considered a classic by some. That being that case, around six years ago Massacre toured with Kam Lee and Terry Butler’s other band Denial Fiend, whilst packaging Massacre as headliners, no doubt to increase turnouts at shows that did not necessarily work (especially one of the shows I attended), but there was never any new material under this banner until recently that is. Kam Lee has since departed, quite a few years back and is replaced with a more than capable singer in Edwin Webb, who some of you may recognise from Diabolic.
‘False Revelation’ and ‘Ascension of the Deceased’ do what you expect, they have a multitude of aggression, time changes and are arranged in such a way that encapsulates the ripping solo work that eventually transpires through these two tracks and the entire record actually. The overall feeling is of their debut effort, but with a slight refinement here and there. There is still the rawness in the delivery, the sound is a bit more modern and refined but still dirty enough to be a genuine article. ‘Beast with Vengeance’ is more of a Floridian swamp stomper and this feels good to be in that frame of mind, that is until the tempo kicks into gear and reminds me certainly of some very early Death material (there is a historical link after all with this band and that). The music review may be shorter than some of my options here, but it would be fruitless to try and pick the bones from what is a slab of earthy death metal that will no doubt keep the internet commando’s happy but for the real fans of this style, I think this will appeal.
Not as much of a kick in the arse as Obituary’s ‘Back from the Dead’ was when they “returned”, but a very sturdy and admirable proper American death metal release. I wouldn’t expect this to be a departure from the Massacre sound of old, this is who they are, it’s very easy to criticise some bands for being the same and yet also for being too different, they wouldn’t win either way, but to Massacre’s credit, there’s evidence a-plenty and that is this music which is in their soul and it reeks of total relevance. Thus, ‘Back From Beyond’ is an easy choice for a cool death metal record with plenty of references back to their debut, musically, namely and in the artwork which is very nice I must say.
(8/10 Paul Maddison)
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