False Prophet: The Second Death

I never know what to say about re-releases like this one. This album came out back in 1991 and probably has legions of fans from around the world, most of whom are ready to pounce at the slightest criticism of their beloved album. Worse still, what could I possibly say about it now? It came out at another time, a time when most death metal was still underground, seeking stable footing against the awful excesses of the 80s. In those days, though, this album would easily have made a strong impression if only it had enough listeners. But that was then and this is now. What I hear, no matter the history, is a raw, aggressive, powerful, and solid 75 minutes of heavy music.

Back in those days, I never heard anything about False Prophet. I probably would have liked them but I also think I would have complained about the constant pounding at satanic themes. That stuff seemed pretty hackneyed to me back then, just another thematic cliché and nothing more. Still, I would most likely have appreciated the chuggy guitars, the fast drumming, and the slightly raw vocals. The album also combines the best of early death metal sound with elements of thrash in all the right ways. As I listen to the album now, I want to call it a classic, even though I don't know exactly what doing so should mean. Instead of figuring that problem out, let's just call this re-release a gift from the underground, a reminder of another time when this kind of metal was new and exciting.

So what will you get with this album? For starters, it's available on CD and as a double-LP. The songs are all completely remastered and the packaging is all new (including an updating of the original cover art). One of the tracks—"False Prophecy"—even makes two appearances, one of them the version from a 7" release I think. The biggest draw, however, is a chance to rediscover an underground band that may yet make an impact on heavy music. Even better, False Prophet doesn't seem to be trying too hard to recapture their glory days. Instead, they seem determined to do something even better—something closer to rediscovering the underground, to touching the same nerves that made all this material edgy twenty years ago. They're also going to take their show on the road, complete with updated merch. They are also going to write new music. Sure, it could all be a nostalgia act, but I'll take this one over some of the others out there. My suggestion? Check this one out. It packs a punch and sounds great.

Track Listing:
1. Diabolic Rites (Intro)
2. Second Death
3. Holy Deception
4. In Satan's Name
5. Forgotten Souls
6. Bring Back a Memory
7. Red Dawn
8. Sign of the Cross
9. Devil's Meat
10. False Prophecy
11. First Born
12. False Prophecy
13. Murder or Mercy
14. Knights of Salem

Added: February 27th 2014
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1822
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]