One of the pioneers of death metal from Tampa, Florida, Massacre were well respected in the underground even though their debut album From Beyond didn’t hit the scene until 1991. Guitarist Rick Rozz spent a few years with Death in the interim, along with fellow Massacre bassist Terry Butler. This latest incarnation as a quartet started in 2011, the newest members being drummer Mike Mazzonetto and vocalist Edwin Webb. Back From Beyond is the third full length, and promises to crush in that old-school realm through its 14 tracks.
The first thing that impressed me is the sonic quality of the record – you wouldn’t know it’s 2014 given the vicious guitar tone, steady bass and natural drums that pour through the speakers. As a result, the initial airings of “Darkness Fell”, windmill worthy “Remnants of Hatred” and shape-shifting speed to doom monster “Beast with Vengeance” are met with the same approval as mid to late 80’s creations. Edwin’s range is guttural yet remarkably clear, as lines like ‘carry the torch of freedom’ in “Hunter’s Blood” as well as ‘embrace this winter/ malevolence/ eternal agony’ from “The Evil Within” reverberate long after the song leaves the speakers and enters the depths of my brain and soul.
Rick Rozz may not be as well versed in the sophisticated, neo-classical ‘shred’ breaks as his Death successor James Murphy, but he certainly knows how to lay down a thick arsenal of down-tuned riffs at a variety of picking speeds that excite and delight: “Sands of Time” and the final death knell “Honor The Fallen” some of his best compositions. Given the current appreciation for both the technical side of the genre as well as the old school veterans who started it all, Massacre should have no trouble gaining all fans young and old back to the fold. Well done, gentlemen!
Matt Coe, HMS
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