Electrocution — Metaphysincarnation

Italian death metallers Electrocution popped onto radars in 1993 with their debut, Into the Unreal. After a split and EP the following year and a second EP in 1997, they disbanded. Two of them were in another flash band, Idols Are Dead, and guitarist Alex Guadagnoli auditioned to replace Max Cavalera in Sepultura. Other than that, they all but disappeared. Italian label Goregorecords never forgot them, though, and re-released their debut in a 20th anniversary edition two years ago. This must've been the kick in the meatballs they needed to reunite, because Electrocution is back with their long awaited follow up, Metaphysincarnation.

Electrocution's debut, Into the Unreal, definitely sounds like its time period, while Metaphysincarnation does not. This record sounds like a late 90's/very early 00's death metal album. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Having heard some awful trends in death metal over the past ten or so years, Metaphysincarnation's older sound avoids falling into any of these awful modes. Another pleasing (to me, anyway) aspect of this album is its similarity to other acts from that period. A lot of the vocals, pacing, and guitar harmonizing reminds me of Morbid Angel. Other times, guitar solos and heavier breakdowns remind me of Suffocation. Electrocution also keeps their tracks relatively short (3-4 mins), so riffs never overstay their welcome.

The opener, "Wireworm," sums up this album's intentions nicely. Choral chants over drums and slow, heavy guitars hearken to The Omen (while sounding very 90's) before breaking into maintainably fast death. The breakdown has some nice guitar sounds and a pretty decent groove before unleashing some nice solo action. "Bloodless" has some pretty solid stomp action peppered with standard death. "Aliento Del Diablo" is a nice acoustic guitar piece that sounds like it could be from a spaghetti western. "Aliento" aside, they're all pretty standard death metal tracks.

Metaphysincarnation won't blow any doors off of your house, but it's definitely a solid album. If you're into 90's death metal, it won't hurt to check it out. Maybe these cats will stay together and release a few more albums. If they're this tight after 20 years apart, their next one could likely be a show stopper.