Search - Mortification :: Primitive Rhythm Machine

Conrad H. from PARKERSBURG, WV
Reviewed on 1/30/2009...

Mortification is considered by many to be the most extreme Christian band in existence. Formed in 1990 from the remains of a band called Lightforce, Mortification sought to provide a positive alternative to traditional death metal acts such as Carcass, Death and Obituary. On the strength of their self-titled 1990 debut, Mortification quickly gained a reputation in their native Australia for being one of the loudest and fastest bands around. Their 1992 follow-up, Scrolls of the Megilloth, garnered the band some attention from the heavy metal underground and contains some of the most frightening vocals ever recorded. Their later albums were more experimental, combining elements of punk, death and thrash metal; they include 1998's Triumph of Mercy and 2000's 10 Years Live, Not Dead. Bassist/vocalist Steve Rowe has handled most of the songwriting chores for group, and is the only remaining original member.

Good, But........

Ryan T. Sessions | Savannah, Georgia United States | 07/14/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I remember Mortification from high school, when I really got into a lot of death metal. The first three albums, that also contained the original members, were alreay classics in my mind. After the release of "Live Planetarium" Jayson Sherlock left the band. After "Blood World" Michael Carlisle was gone as well. So this is the first release with Steve Rowe keeping the fire burning. And I must say that the song writing is pretty cool. Pretty much keeping in touch with the style that "Post Momentary Affliction" had started. George Ochoa, from Deliverance "fame" steps in taking over the guitar duties. And he does a great job, as he always has with any album he has been involved with. But the drums could have been stepped up a little. The beat is cheated constantly, and it just plainly leaves the overall sound as being very sloppy. This is my main complaint. It seems that the longer that Mortification kept going, the sound of their albums grew a little more boring. This isn't a bad offering, but I still prefer the first 4 albums. Great playing and a great raw sound."

Little Man, BIIIGGG Voice

Dallas Handcock | Brisbane, Australia | 09/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you've ever seen Steve Rowe (Mort's lead singer) in person, you would wonder how such a tiny guy can have such a huge voice. Oh well.I've been a fan for years - even saw Light Force in concert, and I reckon this is one of their best albums. Mort start to develop their own unique sound.Buy it if you dig music like Napalm Death. Sure, the lyrics may not please the Death-heads, but the musicianship is excellent"