CD review, Apr 07. Gorguts – Considered Dead

Reviewed - 24.04.07

Well, what can one say about Gorguts? One of the early 90’s wave of Death Metal bands that really expanded the boundaries of the genre. Not many frontmen sang with the truly demonic, razor blade gargling growl of Luc Lemay. Nor did many follow up such individual sounding vocals with such brutal yet smoothly effective riffing and arrangements. This 1991 debut is a rather heavy affair, with powerful yet measured, smooth rhythms. That’s not to say the Canadian foursome don’t know how to thrash because Considered Dead has plenty of up-tempo death metal pacing.

A case in point, opener ...And Then Comes Lividity has some very Cancer (the band not the disease) like chugging. This isn’t perhaps so unusual either as both bands, and many others of the time, took advantage of Scott Burns production skills at Morrisound Studios, Florida, including the likes of Obituary and Deicide. There’s even a solo included by James Murphy who played for two of those previous bands and I’m pretty sure worked at the studio back then. While the liner notes offer some apology for crisp and clear sound of Considered Dead, I personally love it, as I do most of those Morrisound productions. The instruments are well balanced and there’s a nice warm mix which to adds to the cohesiveness.

It doesn’t hurt that Gorguts write a mean death metal tune, all catchy, heavy sounds, nice time changes and uncompromising drawled doom vocals. Let’s not forget those straight heavy chugs which are spread throughout the album. Disincarnated is probably one of the most instantly memorable tunes and featuring a sweet melodic solo that fits effortlessly. It sets the tone for the other tunes which continue the style. There’s no letup in intensity but also no unnecessary musicianship that might muddy the waters. It’s tight and concise.

I could quite happily recommend Considered Dead as a compliment to the aforementioned bands as a primer in early 90’s Death Metal and definitely one of ten or twenty essential listening albums of the genre. It’s a cracking album and though it’s heavy and uncompromising, it remains vital and interesting. Good stuff!