Most people in the Metal community know Sepultura, who released 2 classic thrash albums, followed by another great album “Arise”. For the remainder of this review however, I will take you on a trip way back in time, before “Schizophrenia”, when Sepultura played Black/Death Metal.

“Morbid Visions” is not only Sepultura’s best full-length effort, but it is among the greatest Black Metal albums of all time. Max’s vocals are aggressive, echoing his tortured soul trying to rip its way into the realm of man. Guitar sound on this album is very primitive, which fits the brutal music perfectly. Drumming on this album is fast and tight, battering the fragile human ears that dare listen to the metallic blasphemy present on this masterpiece. The title track attacks the listener from the very start, “Mayhem” follows suit by brutalizing the listener just enough not to kill, but just enough to crave more. Just when the listener thought it was safe to rest, “Troops of Doom” begins with hellish wails, which seem to emanate from the fiery pits of Hell, itself. “War” then begins, keeping the listener assaulted all the way through the bludgeoning violation “Empire of the Damned”, which closes the album out.

Bottom line, this is a must for all fans of Black Metal, plus those interested in tracing early Death Metal. Morbid Visions takes its rightful place on the mantle of hell along side Sodom “Obsessed By Cruelty”, Possessed “Seven Churches”, Sacrifice “Torment in Fire”, Slayer “Hell Awaits” and Minotaur “Power of Darkness”.

© 2001 ramrod