Written in Blood: January 1997

Grief
Miserably Ever After
Pessimiser/Theoligan

The band that has set the goal for themselves to play the slowest, heaviest, most mind-numbing music humanly possible are at it again with the release of Miserably Ever After. After reading the lyrics, I’m convinced that these guys wake up on the wrong side of the bed every day of their lives. Read lyrics from songs like “I Hate The Human Race” or “Low Life” on one of your really good days just for a reality check — cause someone out there is having a really bad day and it might as well be you. “I hate the human race. I hate them all — mankind should be erased. I hate the human race, what a disgrace. I hate the human race, I’ll smash your ugly face. Destroy the Earth.” Oh yes, sing it my brother. 

Warzone
The Sound Of Revolution
Victory

Warzone have released the sound of revolution, which is their second release of ’96. Warzone tears through the eleven songs in just over 21 minutes, so don’t blink or you’ll miss something. Dr. Know (bad brains) stepped up (through a cloud of bong smoke I’m sure) and did a nice job producing the disc.

Deadguy
Screamin’ With The Deadguy Quintet
Victory

I took notice of Deadguy when Jim (former guitar player of Human Remains) joined the band. Jim took over the bass playing duties for the band so unfortunately we won’t be hearing any of his technical heavy-riffing on the six strings. Luckily, the guys playing guitar for this band aren’t too shabby themselves. Deadguy’s performance on Screamin’ With The Deadguy Quintet has all of the vim and vigor you would expect from a good death/hate hardcore band. Tunes such as “Human Pig,” “Escape From the Fake Clink” and “Angry Dwarf” will have you cowering under the covers for days. 

Crown Of Thornz
Mentally Vexed
Another Planet

This CD Rocks …

Death Row
Greatest Hits

… and this CD does not. 

Coal Chamber
Roadrunner

Coal Chamber was formed in mid ’94. By late ’95 the band had the attention of Roadrunner Records, which was sparked by support from Dino Cazares (guitarist for Fear Factory). Early turmoil, both in and out of the band, threatened the future of Coal Chamber. One instance, according to Dez (vocals), was when his wife left him on the very day he was scheduled to start recording the vocal tracks. She obviously wasn’t happy with her husband’s career choice. That’s right honey, stand by your man. Production duo Jay Gordon and Jay Baumgardner certainly did this record justice. The two brought out the band’s heaviness while maintaining a clear, straightforward sound. If you want to check this band out, call and request “Loco” on X96 (though don’t tell them SLUG sent you).

Read more Written in Blood by John Forgach:
Written in Blood: December 1996
Written in Blood: October 1996

Enjoying the 90s editions of SLUG? Consider becoming one of our donors!