When you list the classic Death Metal acts of old you probably think Morbid Angel, Deicide, Obituary, Death etc. Yet there is a sort of sub level to that, Possessed, Immolation, and our subject for today the mighty Massacre! I am a fan of OSDM but it doesn’t quite get me going as much as Brutal Death or Tech, or to be fair even modern OSDM that’s something I dig quite a bit too.
That said there is always room in my decaying heart for some classic sickness, Carcass being a particular favourite. Probably most revered in Massacre is Kam Lee, due to his early work with Death. He is for sure a legend of the Death Metal world and the 1991 album From Beyond has become a favourite for the Death Metal underground. The not so praised Promise followed in 1996 and the band has since split and reformed countless times. Including for the controversial 2014 Back From Beyond album which featured Edwin Webb on vocals as opposed to Kam. I personally loved this release but to hear that Kam was making a return was of course even more exciting. As such in storms Resurgence the fourth full length release from these Floridian heavyweights put out though Nuclear Blast.
After a bit of Horror-like ambience it’s into Eldritch Prophecy, nice chunky, epic Death Metal riffs create a simple but decent build up to the more Thrash focused meat. Kam Lee steps back into the vocal fold with OSDM perfection, such a brilliant vocalist. The music itself isn’t anything out of the ordinary or special, but Massacre are for sure a classic Death Metal force to be reckoned with and they deliver the goods. I think the album could stand to be a bit catchier, Back From Beyond had some certified bangers but this record is a little shortcoming in the lyrical structure department. I must say though that instrumentally this is top draw, The Whisperer In Darkness having some particularly cool parts, in fact this is one of the better songs on the album period.
The second half of the album gives us much of the same. Into The Far Off Void is another Thrashy Death Metal crusher but nothing that’s going to blow your mind. There is something infectious about this band’s sound though. I would generally write this kind of Death Metal off as generic, and whilst this is true it certainly isn’t boring. I could happily listen to this multiple times, in fact therein lies the truth of the matter, a grower, not a shower. Fate Of The Elder Gods is killer too it has to be said, big simple riffs again akin to the albums opener, devastating Death Metal.
I have to say though the whole album isn’t much to go mad over, but then I’ve kind of always felt that way about Massacre. I really enjoy their music but I don’t think it’s ever been particularly ground-breaking work. Quite simply it’s strong Death Metal, well written, well presented but nothing more. If you’re looking to just switch off for a bit and get heavy, but not too heavy then Resurgence has got you covered. It’s also a great touch to see Kam Lee back in the band, I’d certainly go see them again after this performance that’s for sure.
(7/10 George Caley)
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