RESURRECTION - Embalmed Existence (12" LP on Black Vinyl)

Resurrection’s Embalmed Existence, first unleashed by Nuclear Blast in 1993, remains a hidden gem in the annals of Florida death metal. The album’s defining quirk is "The Storyteller," an eccentric, maniacal voice actor who introduces each track (save one) with unsettling narrations. These voiceovers, divisive yet undeniably unique, lend the record a surreal, nightmarish atmosphere—a demented fable brought to life through bone-crushing riffs and guttural roars.

With this reissue by Hammerheart Records, fans can revisit the album in all its original glory. Stripping away the theatrical elements, Embalmed Existence shines as a stellar example of the Floridian death metal sound. It’s raw, atonal, and occasionally technical, avoiding the melodic leanings of its Swedish counterparts. The band sprinkles their brutality with glimpses of musical brilliance: dissonant chords, searing solos, and a rhythmic complexity that rewards repeated listens.

Paul Degolyer’s growls resonate with a distinctive melismatic quality reminiscent of Obituary’s John Tardy, while Alex Marquez’s drumming—infused with his Malevolent Creation pedigree—adds a dynamic, driving energy. Tracks bristle with relentless intensity, the riffs blending precision and savagery in equal measure. The album’s production, courtesy of Scott Burns, captures this ferocity with clarity, and Dan Seagrave’s stunning artwork ensures it’s as visually striking as it is sonically brutal.

Although their peers like Morbid Angel and Atheist overshadowed them in 1993, Resurrection carved out their niche with this release. Embalmed Existence stands as a testament to their potential, a record that could have rivaled classics like Leprosy or Cause of Death had the band persisted.

For collectors and fans of death metal’s golden age, this reissue is a must-have. It’s a timeless artifact of the Florida scene, blending the savagery of Deicide and Pestilence with its own peculiar charm. Hammerheart’s reissue ensures that Embalmed Existence finally receives the recognition it deserves—a reminder of what could have been and a celebration of what it is: an underground classic.