Metal Mind Productions have re-issued nine CD's from the Aussie band, Mortification. Primitive Rhythm Machine and Hammer Of God are the two reviewed here, both remastered with the inclusion of extra live recordings.
Mortification are an Extreme Metal band with Christian influences, something you often hear in other styles of metal from such acts as Stryper or Rob Rock. Mortification's founder, bass player and growling vocalist Steve Rowe's passionate Christian beliefs form a major part of Mortification's lyrics, spreading their message to the fans. Mortification origins go back to 1990, releasing their self titled debut Mortification in 1991, signing with Nuclear Blast before the release of their second album Souls Of The Megilloth, gave them the opportunity for some much added exposure. Mortification have continued to pump out many albums, even with major personnel changes and illness, Steve has kept the band rolling, with a new album out this year, titled the evil addiction destroying machine.
Primitive Rhythm Machine, released in 1995, opening with the title track, a short drum intro following into what could be described as a Sepultura or Soulfly vibe, while "Seen It All" has a slower memorable heavy section. "Toxic Shock" sees Mortification mixing it up some more after a quick bass workout, whilst "40:31" is your classic thrash number, and "Providence" has some quite dark vocals from Steve Rowe. Even though what we have here is an extended remaster, Primitive Rhythm Machine is showing its age sound wise, which isn't necessarily bad in the context of their music. One thing Primitive Rhythm Machine does show is a band presenting a culmination of different ideas, with some tracks working better than others.
Three out of five stars on this one.
Hammer Of God, first saw the light in 1999, this is the stronger of the two albums, from production to the content I'd take this one. "Metal Crusade" is a heavy Christian rocker with the guitar work standing out, "Metal Crusade, spreading the Gospel truth", and "Martyrs" is a cool heavy track, very catchy and reminiscent of many fine old school thrashers, also a powerful track lyrically "Die for your faith, die for what you believe in" written about the treatment of Christians in Cambodia and China. There is also a live version found later on the CD, performed in front of an enthusiastic crowd. On "Lock Up The Night" Mortification drop the tempo a notch for this heavy brooder, "In The Woods" laying down some very nice guitar grooves, and other highlights include "A Pearl", which has a somewhat Doom feel at times, and "Ride The Light" presents us with more nice guitar riffs. Hammer Of God was a powerful release; it would be interesting to hear how Mortification's latest material compares to these past efforts.
Three and a half stars out of five for this one.
Track list
Primitive Rhythm Machine:
1. Primitive Rhythm Machine
2. Mephibosheth
3. Seen It All
4. The True Essence Of Power
5. Toxic Shock
6. 40 : 31
7. Gut Wrench
8. Confused Belief
9. Providence
10. Killing Evil
Bonus tracks:
11. Primitive Rhythm Machine (Live)
12. Mephibosheth (Live)
13. The Majestic Infiltration Of Order (Live)
14. J.G.S.H (Live)
15. Killing Evil (Live)
Hammer Of God:
1. Metal Crusade
2. Martyrs
3. Lock Up The Night
4. In The Woods
5. A Pearl
6. Hammer Of God
7. Liberal Mediocrity
8. Extreme Conditions
9. Ride The Light
10. D.W.A.M
11. Medley
12. God Rulz
13. At War With War (Demo Version)
14. Visited By An Angel (Demo Version)
15. Metal Crusade (Instrumental Version)
Bonus tracks:
16. Hammer Of God (Live)
17. Martyrs (Live)
18. Liberal Mediocrity (Live)
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