Like many other old bands that released only one demo before splitting up, I couldn't find much information about Algesic Massacre. All I know is that they were a death/thrash band from the small town of Kenosha, Wisconsin that released only one demo called Fate Of Death before splitting up. Are they a criminally ignored gem or do they deserve to remain in obscurity? Only one way to find out.
These guys can best be described as a mellower Morbid Saint. They kinda sound like Morbid Saint, but they don't always play at neck-breaking tempos. By pure coincidence, Algesic Massacre came from the same state as Morbid Saint and released Fate Of Death the same year Morbid Saint released Spectrum of Death.
The musicianship may not be all that stellar, but it's not atrocious by any means. The album begins with an instrumental piece that features both echoing clean guitars and a bit of electric guitar noodling that sounds similar to something a German thrash metal band would do. The mid-paced guitar solos sound downright pleasant and atmospheric, despite the fuzzy and unpolished production.
The actual bulk of the album still sounds pretty good, even if the songs never last more than two minutes. The drums keep the rhythm well and sometimes launch into furious blast beats with some fills thrown in to keep your attention. Despite the fuzzy production, the bass can still be heard quite well and plays some nice licks. The vocals consist of frantic screaming that sounds almost exactly like Morbid Saint. I love 'em. They exude so much malice. The guitar mainly play mid-paced rhythms, but there are times when they get fast and frantic. Both styles are performed nicely, but I just wish there were more fast parts. They still throw in some great solos. I especially like the one at the beginning of “Dying Day”.
Overall, this demo might not be all that great, but for some strange reason, I like it. I love the manic vocals and I love the guitars, especially the atmospheric solos. I just wished they polished the production and added more fast parts. Then I would have really fallen in love with it.
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