This double CD compilation is a treasure trove for any death metal enthusiast, meticulously curated to include all of Lobotomy's demos, EPs, and promo tracks from 1989 to 1993, prior to their debut album. Achilleas Kalantzis at Suncord Audio Lab has expertly restored and remastered the tracks, breathing new life into these historical recordings.
CD 1: The Demos and Promos
The first disc opens with the "When Death Draws Near" demo from 1990, featuring tracks like "Inner Wrath," "When Death Draws Near," and "Into This Life." These songs exhibit the band's early experimentation with their sound, blending crushing riffs and guttural vocals that would become their signature.
The 1991 Promo tracks "Instinct of Brutality," "Possession," "Depriver of Life," and "Endless Maze" follow, showcasing a more refined yet still raw and aggressive approach. The "Against The Gods" demo from July 1992 brings us standout tracks such as "Against the Gods," "Seize the Throne," and "Eternal Damnation," solidifying their place in the burgeoning death metal scene.
Closing the first disc are the "Nailed In Misery" demo tracks from June 1993, including the eponymous "Nailed" and "Instinct of Brutality," further cementing their brutal, relentless style.
CD 2: EP, Live Tracks, and Rehearsals
The second disc kicks off with the "Hymn" EP from December 1993, featuring tracks like "Turmoil," "Flowertrip (Part I)," and "In Bloodstained Greed." These songs display the band's evolving complexity and darker, more atmospheric tones.
Live and rehearsal tracks provide a raw, unfiltered glimpse into Lobotomy's live prowess. Notable tracks include "Rapture - Live 89 Shitzo," "Rapture - Satanic Extirpator Reh 90," and "When Death Draws Near - Reh Tape 90." The "Live in Akalla, Sweden 1991" session and various 1992 live recordings capture the raw energy of their performances, with tracks like "(Beyond) Possession," "Endless Maze," and "Eternal Damnation."
The disc concludes with the 1993 demo tracks "The Hate That Breaths" and "Soulshifter," providing a fitting end to this extensive collection.
Production and Packaging
The production quality, handled by legendary figures Thomas Skogsberg at Sunlight Studios and Peter Tagtgren, ensures that each track retains its raw intensity while being polished enough for modern listening. The compilation also features liner notes by Olivier 'Zoltar' Badin and an extensive interview by Nicola Constantini from the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SVENSK DÖDS METALL, offering valuable insights into the band's history and impact.
The 34-page booklet included with the double CD is a visual feast, packed with old pictures, flyers, and posters, transporting the listener back to the early days of the Swedish death metal scene. Contributions from key figures in the extreme metal world, such as Kam Lee (Massacre), Alex Hellid (Nihilist, Entombed), and Masse Broberg (Hypocrisy, Dark Funeral), add further depth and context to the band's legacy.
Conclusion
"Final Wrath: The Early Hymns of Lobotomy" is an essential compilation for fans of old-school death metal. It not only preserves the legacy of a pivotal band in the Swedish death metal scene but also offers a comprehensive and immersive listening experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Lobotomy's brutal sound, this compilation is a must-have addition to your collection.
Final Wrath - The Early Works of Lobotomy by LOBOTOMY
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