Scalplock Spread The Germs
Over The Human Worms
Cacophonous NIHIL36CD 28th October 2002
By Russell Garwood
Spread The Germs Over The Human Worms is the debut release from a newly re-launched Cacophonous, the label of early Bal Sagoth, Cradle Of Filth and Dimmu Borgir fame. A UK-based three piece comprising vocalist/guitarist Pete Giles, Gorkus (Paul Fernandez) on bass and drummer Martin Daniels, Scalplocks third album shows a major change in direction for the label. Collectively the trio play grindcore, but their eclectic sound is not too easily definable there are also technical and sludge elements. Having played with, among others, Napalm Death and Impaled Nazarene, the band are by no means newcomers to the scene. This fact is reflected by the confidence evident in Spread The Germs an album with thirty short and usually brutal tracks.
Thematically this release is socio-politically orientated the title itself refers to the recurring tactic of governments in dehumanising people in order to justify brutalisation which suits the raw music to perfection. Standouts include opener Enclosed for the acoustic guitar intro and extreme-doom-reminiscent crushing guitar bar chords, the almost melodic guitar work of Ever Eluding Promise, and the blasting slab of extremity that is Fugitive.
Overall Spread The Germs is an impressive release, and a must for all grind fans - the songs fly by in a vortex of ferocity, even if (like me) you arent a fan of the genre. The raw aesthetics and abrasive nature of the music will also appeal to many death and other extreme metal fans. Scalplock not only add an eclecticism rarely found in the grind world, but their music while far from being catchy - is well written and performed.
Cacophonous NIHIL36CD 28th October 2002
By Russell Garwood
Spread The Germs Over The Human Worms is the debut release from a newly re-launched Cacophonous, the label of early Bal Sagoth, Cradle Of Filth and Dimmu Borgir fame. A UK-based three piece comprising vocalist/guitarist Pete Giles, Gorkus (Paul Fernandez) on bass and drummer Martin Daniels, Scalplocks third album shows a major change in direction for the label. Collectively the trio play grindcore, but their eclectic sound is not too easily definable there are also technical and sludge elements. Having played with, among others, Napalm Death and Impaled Nazarene, the band are by no means newcomers to the scene. This fact is reflected by the confidence evident in Spread The Germs an album with thirty short and usually brutal tracks.
Thematically this release is socio-politically orientated the title itself refers to the recurring tactic of governments in dehumanising people in order to justify brutalisation which suits the raw music to perfection. Standouts include opener Enclosed for the acoustic guitar intro and extreme-doom-reminiscent crushing guitar bar chords, the almost melodic guitar work of Ever Eluding Promise, and the blasting slab of extremity that is Fugitive.
Overall Spread The Germs is an impressive release, and a must for all grind fans - the songs fly by in a vortex of ferocity, even if (like me) you arent a fan of the genre. The raw aesthetics and abrasive nature of the music will also appeal to many death and other extreme metal fans. Scalplock not only add an eclecticism rarely found in the grind world, but their music while far from being catchy - is well written and performed.
