Anatomia USA: Morbid Angel III

   

(old analysis from 10+ years ago, corrected some grammar errors)

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C OVENANT

SWITCH TO PL 

What's interesting to me is that I've always perceived this band as pure, 100% Death. However, at the time of the album's release, the band was labeled as thrash metal, and only because due to the fact that their videos started appearing on MTV ("rules are rules). At least according to old zines, and defunct websites from the 90s. This means that for some, the genre wasn't based on brutality, but on the underground status. Complete absurdity from today's perspective.

It's worth noting that MA was (as of 2012) the only extreme band to sign a deal with a major company, which was Giant, a Warner Bros. sub-label, an incredible achievement that no one has dared to repeat. This album was produced by Rassmussen, who was responsible for Metallica's early albums. 

A bestseller. Are there any fillers? Hard to tell. It's not the kind of album that one can "get". It is to be devoured in its entirety. What makes this album so good is the combination of atmosphere and sound, with a certain effortlessness to the whole thing.And then there's the artwork. I haven't been able to figure it out, though I've read various theories about subtle nods to the Necronomicon.

It's amazing how Vincent's vocals changed from album to album. On Altars, the guy had a near-perfect satanic voice. On BATS, it was more guttural and squelchy. On Covenant, it's a mix of deep and clotted edge. A much better solution than on the next album, whereas his vocals began to resemble Max Cavalera.

Rapture – another hit from the band, albeit a much more psychologically disturbing one. The main riff is nothing more but the bridge riff from "Blasphemy" played backwards. This iconic track has an equally famous music video.

Pain Divine – fast and to the point. It warms up the record and gets the ball rolling. The opening melody is, in turn, the opening melody of "Visions from the Dark Side," only played backwards.

World of Shit (The Promised Land) – one of the slower and more fucked-up tracks. Similar in feel to "Lion's Den." You could even say that if it weren't for the title, this track would be radio-friendly.

Vengeance is Mine – transitional in nature, but still maintains a high-quality writing. The song is rarely played during gigs.

The Lions Den – Vincent's track, another one of those more fucked up and sick ones. I'd love to hear this one live, but I'm not sure they've ever played it. And it's a bit in the "World of Shit" vein.

Blood on my hands – just like “Vengeance…”, this one is also more transitional, even though it is played live, which surprises me a little bit, because I consider this song to be the weakest on the album, although that doesn’t mean it’s weak altogether.

Angel Of Disease - the most cheerful song in Death Metal? Quite possibly. Once again, Angels reveal a fascination with slightly more classical genres. If the vocals could be muted, we'd have a rather lively hard rock track. It's of course, an old song.

Sworn to the Black – a legendary track that received an interesting "pop" cover by a little-known band whose name I can't remember. It's been remixed by Laibach alongside "God..."

Nar Mattaru – the only instrumental track, which was meant to separate “God of Emptiness” from the rest of the album.

God Of Emptiness - unironically most fucked up Death Metal song. This time, the word "song" isn't just an euphemism, but a proper description.You can make fun of Vincent and his "Bow to Me," but for me, it's a rather ominous moment. A completely dark message. It's the final track, because MA was a bit afraid of the fans' reaction to this song, which was intended to be "different" and more suitable for promoting the album. Interestingly enough, a video was created for the first and last tracks of the album.

Freshness: Rapture, Pain Divine – premiere, utilize older riffs. World of Shit, Vengeance is Mine, Lion’s Den, Blood On My Hands, Sworn to the Black, God of Emptiness – brand new. Angel Of Disease – second version of the song from 1983.

Summary: Premiere: 6. Deconstructed: 2. Oldies: 1. Instrumental: 1. Final grade: Trey might not have worked as hard as he should, but let's say the level reaches 66,6% (fuck the instrumental).