MORBID ANGEL - Abominations Of Desolation (CD - Digipak)

Morbid Angel’s Abominations of Desolation is the ultimate demonstration of raw, unrefined aggression in death metal’s earliest years. Originally recorded in 1986, the album didn’t see an official release until 1991, but its impact remains unmistakable. A powerful piece in the band's early discography, it presents a furious snapshot of a band on the cusp of changing the course of metal history.

While Abominations may lack the polished precision of later works like Altars of Madness, what it offers in its place is an intensity that can only be described as primal. The album is less of a polished statement and more of a brutal scream from the depths of the band's early musical evolution. The raw production mirrors the chaotic nature of the time, with guitars buzzing and drums pounding in a fashion that feels organic and intense rather than refined.

At the heart of this madness is the unmistakable guitar work of Trey Azagthoth. Even in these early years, his riffs are chaotic, jagged, and oddly melodic in their dissonance, making it clear why he is often hailed as one of death metal’s greatest guitarists. The solos here are intricate, yet remain untamed, often veering into the unorthodox and unpredictable territory that would later define his legacy. The riffing patterns alone show the band's growing understanding of tempo shifts and rhythmic complexities, though they aren't yet the lightning-fast and technical patterns we would come to expect in their later work.

Mike Browning’s vocal performance is a marked departure from the guttural tones of David Vincent. His thrash-leaning barks are aggressive and direct, adding a distinct character to the record. His delivery is sharp, carrying an energy that compliments the chaotic pace of the riffs while maintaining clarity in the band’s cryptic and occult lyrical themes. In terms of drumming, Browning keeps things basic but effective, his straightforward style contributing to the rawness of the album. It’s a solid performance that, while not as technical as Pete Sandoval’s later contributions, suits the mood of the album perfectly, enhancing the feeling of untamed aggression.

What stands out most about Abominations of Desolation is its unapologetic energy. Each track feels like a battle between chaos and control, a testament to the band's early attempts to push metal into darker, more extreme territories. The album, while filled with blinding speed and ferocity, also gives way to moments of eerie, dissonant atmosphere. This blend of musical violence and atmospheric tension makes the album more than just an aggressive assault—it is an experience that holds the listener captive in a world of ominous grandeur and visceral destruction.

From a production standpoint, the album maintains its status as a rough diamond. The guitars are sharp and abrasive, carving through the mix with a buzz-saw tone that is raw and unsettling. The drums are punchy, with their primal beats driving the songs forward with relentless force, though the mix lacks the smoothness of the band’s later works. This adds a sense of immediacy to the music, making it feel as though you’re hearing a demo of a band on the verge of something truly groundbreaking.

While this album doesn’t yet showcase the extreme technical mastery that would come to define Morbid Angel, it captures a moment in time when the band was finding its voice and making a lasting impact on the death metal genre. It serves as an essential piece in understanding the evolution of one of the genre's most influential acts, showcasing their earliest explorations into extreme metal and laying the groundwork for the visionary brutality they would go on to perfect.

For fans of death metal’s raw, formative years, Abominations of Desolation is a must-hear. It’s a pivotal release that should be regarded as more than just an early demo—it’s a vital chapter in the history of death metal. Morbid Angel’s descent into the abyss started here, and it’s a journey worth taking for anyone with an interest in the genre’s roots.

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