Morbid Angel: Kingdoms Disdained
Kingdoms Disdained has a lot to live up to, it also has a legacy to re-validate and redeem. Morbid Angel are responsible for creating some of the most legendary and pivotal extreme Metal records ever released, however, it cannot be ignored that they also birthed one of the most disappointing and terrible albums of the millennia. So, the big question is, can one album save a band from being written off completely and condemned as a "has been"?
The short answer is, yes. Kingdoms Disdained is one of the most furious and formidable Death-Metal albums of the century, and more than lives up to Morbid Angel's seminal early releases. The return of the demonic voice of, Steve Tucker, also marks a return to the sludgy, thick, filthy sound that characterised the bands releases during Tucker's previous residency in the band.
The albums is packed full of absolutely killer material and merciless, brain-pounding Death-Metal, from start to finish. Mastermind and masterful maestro, Trey Azagthoth, is on superb form, delivering some of the most intense and intoxicating riff work ever recorded.
Album opener, "Piles Of Tiny Arms" sets the tone and agenda perfectly, with a total Death-Metal assualt, crushing any doubts and fears that Morbid Angel were anything less than titans. "D.E.A.D" follows with refreshing technicality, intense blastbeats and a healthy dose of chugging riffage. By the time "Garden Of Disdain" kicks in, the undeniable consistency of Kingdoms Disdained sets in, as the rolling, all conquering Death-Metal machine unleashes superb track, one after another. The barbaric "The Righteous Voice" and the stunning "Architect And Iconoclast", absolutely reek of the old-school, harking back (unsurprisingly) to the gritty sounds of, Formula Fatal To The Flesh. Elsewhere, "Declaring New Law (Secret Hall)" is an undeniable standout moment on Kingdom's Disdained, with the grooviest, yet most sinister offering of the whole album. For Fans of the pre-Tucker era of Morbid Angel, "For No Master" and, "From The Hand Of Kings", give a nod to the great, pioneering sounds of Alters Of Madness and Blessed Are The Sick, while delivering the speed with thrashing intensity.
Overall, there is no single best track on Kingdoms Disdained, no clear winning song, this is an album of flawless Death-Metal. Every note is masterfully executed and the result is an album which packs a serious punch and is worthy of great praise. Kingdoms Disdained has a fresh and re-energised sound, showing Morbid Angel alive again, on top form, benefiting from the breath of life brought by new and returning members. It would be foolish to deny the brilliance of this magnificent work of art.
Album opener, "Piles Of Tiny Arms" sets the tone and agenda perfectly, with a total Death-Metal assualt, crushing any doubts and fears that Morbid Angel were anything less than titans. "D.E.A.D" follows with refreshing technicality, intense blastbeats and a healthy dose of chugging riffage. By the time "Garden Of Disdain" kicks in, the undeniable consistency of Kingdoms Disdained sets in, as the rolling, all conquering Death-Metal machine unleashes superb track, one after another. The barbaric "The Righteous Voice" and the stunning "Architect And Iconoclast", absolutely reek of the old-school, harking back (unsurprisingly) to the gritty sounds of, Formula Fatal To The Flesh. Elsewhere, "Declaring New Law (Secret Hall)" is an undeniable standout moment on Kingdom's Disdained, with the grooviest, yet most sinister offering of the whole album. For Fans of the pre-Tucker era of Morbid Angel, "For No Master" and, "From The Hand Of Kings", give a nod to the great, pioneering sounds of Alters Of Madness and Blessed Are The Sick, while delivering the speed with thrashing intensity.
Overall, there is no single best track on Kingdoms Disdained, no clear winning song, this is an album of flawless Death-Metal. Every note is masterfully executed and the result is an album which packs a serious punch and is worthy of great praise. Kingdoms Disdained has a fresh and re-energised sound, showing Morbid Angel alive again, on top form, benefiting from the breath of life brought by new and returning members. It would be foolish to deny the brilliance of this magnificent work of art.
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I agree, the album is great.
ReplyDeleteThe album is not bad. It's ok. And yes it's the best since Gateways, which also means it's the 6th best Morbid Angel album.
ReplyDelete