Morbid Angel - Domination
1995 Earache
by Horatio

Quick Summary:
As the once mighty death metal scene of the late 80's and early 90's degenerated into a wasteland, few bands found the strength to rise above the decay, a notable exception being Morbid Angel who had risen to great heights, especially with 1993's 'Covenant', a blur of speed that almost rivaled Slayer for backbreaking intensity.  It fulfilled the promise of earlier albums like 1989's 'Altar Of Sacrifice' and 91's 'Blessed Are The Sick', and indicated a massive future for the lads.  Somehow it never materialized, regardless of 'Domination's quality.  By 1995 the mainstream metal media had all but given up on death metal, as magazines like Metal Hammer boasted covers that read 'Is Death Metal Dead?'  As such futile nonsense ensued Morbid Angel made their case for death metal immortality, although it was obvious the all out brutality of 'Covenant' had been toned down.

This was essential listening back in 1995, along with such similar jokers like Cannibal Corpse and Deicide, all three easily the figureheads of the genre.  Morbid Angel had a polished sound that so many lacked with a convincing wall of noise through ludicrous bastards like David Vincent and Azagthoth who in press photos at the time appeared to be indulging in some Nazi SS fantasy.  Although 'Domination' wasn't a relentless blitz, it's hard to argue with the full scale thrash of the title track, the near grindcore of 'Nothing But Fear' and the pummeling 'This Means War'.  Things went downhill soon after as Vincent left to join his wife in the horrendous S&M based act The Genitortures, leaving Tucker to assume his position.  It's been a farce ever since with various members coming and going, to the point where the band have been almost forgotten.  Well, maybe they haven't, I've just ignored them since 'Formulas Fatal To The Flesh'.  It's staggering to think this was a decade ago, the memories of which remain firm, annoying nerds in college classes with this blaring through my headphones.

Website:  www.morbidangel.com

Song Summaries:

1. Dominate - This album might be Morbid's own 'South Of Heaven', as they attempted to follow up a landmark release with many expecting the same.  They didn't comply totally, but stayed true with such ferocious blasts like this.  A guaranteed way to get attention, utter thrash!  A
2. Where The Slime Live - The imagery of the title is taken literally, with sludge like vocals.  Otherwise excruciatingly slow.  B
3. Eyes To See...Ears To Hear - Over the top mystical fare with heavy symphonic keyboard touches.  The riffing is heavy beyond comprehension and eliminates that aspect, although the whole fantasy element is what made the band a standout, especially the demented guitar solos from Rutan and Azagthoth.  B
4. Melting - Mid 80's style instrumental with shades of a Vietnam War movie as the soldiers plow their way through the rugged terrain.  A
5. Nothing But Fear - The mindset that I and my accomplice in metal shared in 1995 was that only speed would suffice for any supposed thrash or death metal band.  Tracks with blinding speed like this made Morbid Angel automatic heroes, at a point when Megadeth and Anthrax had become zeros, not even a shadow of the bands they once were.  I don't necessarily think Morbid are or were better bands than those two but they had more credibility in '95.  It didn't get more professional than this, an effort which dwarves all the black metal acts making waves at the same time.  A
6. Dawn Of The Angry - More full frontal aggression.  I can see myself in my room headbanging to this with my crappy long hair and unshaven face, totally committed to my beliefs in metal.  Let's face it, think back to what you looked like in '95 and you'd probably laugh as well.  B+
7. This Means War - The devastation continues with another contemporary piece of stylish thrash.  This is more accomplished than much of the rot we are exposed to in the modern day, and this hasn't dated at all in my opinion.  Great thrash never does.  A
8. Caesar's Palace - Vincent's ode to his favourite gambling establishment and boxing venue?  No, he pays homage instead to the Roman fanatic, 'just close your eyes, can you remember?...hail Caesar....hail Caesar....'  Bit too slow and grinding, especially at six minutes plus. C
9. Dreaming - More ancient Rome theatrics, with harpsichords and strings in the mix.  The kind of instrumental used to portray Jesus in his suffering as he toils carrying the cross.  Tremendous atmospherics.  B+
10. Inquisition (Burn With Me) - More mid paced bludgeon, as if the band had decided 'you've had your fast bits, no more now'.  It tends to reinforce the cliché of bands wanting to explore other styles as they've grown tired of faster tempos, 'that was when we were kids man, leave it in the past, we've moved on.  Obviously the fans haven't, get over it.'  C
11. Hatework - Dull ender, which realistically goes nowhere fast.  That makes four in a row without thrash.  That caused a ruckus in my household back then.  Major questions were raised if this was to set a precedent in the future.  Three years later, 'FFTTF' indicated this wasn't true, but I had lost my death metal luster and wasn't overly concerned.  C

Average Song Rating:  B
Overall Album Rating:  B

Also be sure to read:
Morbid Angel - Alters Of Madness Quick Reviews by Uncle Meat