Living Sacrifice - "Nonexistant"

Living Sacrifice - Nonexistent

1992, REX

1. Emerge

2. Enthroned

3. Nonexistent

4. Haven of Blasphemy

5. ...To Nothing

6. Void Expression

7. Atonement

8. Distorted

9. Chemical Straightjacket

10. Without Distinction

Okay... I'm not sure what was going on here. The band kind of wants to be death metal, but they're not really sure they want to make the full plunge - just sticking their toes in the death metal pool. The guitars are downtuned and the infectious riffs are gone for the most part except for the song "...To Nothing" which has an awesome riff. Most of the songs though are just really fast picking. I would be remiss if I didn't mention DJs vocals which are terrible. They sound like Cookie Monster being drawn & quartered. Not pleasant. I used to like this back in the day, but now I just find it mostly tiresome. I do like the cover art though.

Useless Fact: I think this one was rereleased by Solid State too, but I think it's missing the distinctive early 90's REX layout that I always liked.

Living Sacrifice - "Living Sacrifice"

Living Sacrifice - Living Sacrifice

1991/1999, Solid State

1. Violence

2. Internal Unrest

3. Second Death

4. Obstruction

5. Walls of Separation

6. Phargx Imas

7. No Grave Concern

8. Dealing With Ignorance

9. The Prodigal

10. Anorexia Spiritual

I've come to the conclusion that Living Sacrifice is one of the most overrated bands out there. This debut is probably the best thing they put out. It's thrash - full on early 90's thrash - miles away from the hardcore nonsense they've put out the past few years. I will say the riffs are pretty awesome - "Violence" and "Internal Unrest" are two songs that will make you pump your fist in metal triumph. People say that it sounds like Slayer but having never listened to Slayer, I can't really say. This is also the best DJ's vocals ever sounded. I don't really spin this but once in a great while, but it's still a good metal platter.

Useless Fact: My edition is the reissue from Solid State records made after they hit the "big time." There isn't any extra tracks but there are some good liner notes from the band.