Boxset Review: Gorguts - Considered Dead / The Erosion Of Sanity
Reviewed by Patrick O'Reilly
Gorguts are a band that command such respect within the death metal scene. They are legendary for their weird, psychedelic take on the genre, labyrinthine riffs colliding with a super bizarre atmosphere, grotesque lyrics and supreme musicianship, but was it always like that? This re-release of the first two Gorguts albums sheds light on the first putrid offerings that crept forth out of Canadian graves and took the world by storm.
‘Considered Dead’ is the debut album by Gorguts and when that strange acoustic intro ‘... And then comes Lividity’ starts up the atmosphere ramps up and death metal history spews forth! Brutal and old school is the template for Considered Dead; this is truly and album to stand up alongside classics of old school death metal by the likes of Obituary and Morbid Angel. Mid paced, chugging riffs abound and vocalist Luc Lemay’s death growl thrills and delights. ‘Rottenatomy’ Shifts and squirms, its riffs descending into madness and provides the highlight of the album and a hint of prophecy, a look into the scrying glass at what the future holds for this band. ‘
Hematological Allergy’ showcases some of the technical mind-blowing riffage too, another glimpse into what will be. Production wise this album has that classic Morrisound. Heavy and thick it screams old school. Musicianship is really good, for such a new and young band, the only criticism I could make about Considered Dead is that it is a little derivative, though the band would quite quickly blow away all claims of lacking in individual style.
Following up on their debut Gorguts next release was ‘Erosion of Sanity’ and this album does exactly what it says! Your mind will be melted by this absolutely essential release opens with the absolutely blinding ‘With their flesh he’ll Create’ and it never lets up from there! ‘Condemned to Obscurity’ opens with a piano intro then goes full Lovecraft as diabolical riffs swirl and drag you into the void.
This album is light years ahead of Considered Dead in terms of technicality and really shows how serious this band are about creating unique and psychedelic death metal. Musicianship has ramped up several gears, everything is played with precision and skill, Maybe the band accessed some kind of time portal? It’s the only thing that could explain the technical leap in their ability in such a short space of time! Production moved away from Morrisound and in my opinion sounds better for it, it's a brutal production that sounds great, each instrument loud and clear in the mix. Overall Erosion of Sanity is better in every way and obviously just as essential as Considered Dead.
The package is rounded off with a superb booklet, with an informative interview with Luc Lemay on the creation of the band and these two classics, demo tracks are also included which obviously sound a bit rawer but highlight the development that happened to these songs.
Any fan of death metal should listen to these two albums, they are true classics, they are a great way to initiate into the cult of Gorguts and gain experience in their own unique brand of insanity. And then? Well, then comes Obscura, possibly the craziest, psych-tech death album ever created, but that is for another day...
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