Subconscious Projection

Here is some heavy, ugly, old school death metal from the Chicago underground. Contagion made two demos and an EP before changing their name to Funereal (and recording an album). “Subconscious Projection” is their first demo. It is an impressive composite of older death metal bands. Some of it reminds me of the gritty simplicity of (early) Death/Massacre and Master. Some of the faster and more technical moments remind me of Slayer, Possessed and Morbid Angel. There are also some super-heavy Celtic Frost riffs and some stomping Deicide-ish parts too. It is an interesting combination.

As such, there is plenty of variety in tempo and in the 'shape' of the riffs. Contagion were unafraid to attempt ambitious twists and transitions. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't. "Oxydized" is the worst track, containing some awkward transitions in the middle. The band's inexperience is obvious here. The other songs are better. "Contagion" shows remarkable maturity and dexterity as they accelerate into wilder and thrashier territory (and back). The band sounds best during the slow and mid-paced sections, especially when they threaten to burst with speed at any moment (the intro of "Dementia" is a good example).

The production is merciless. The balance is good, the guitar is thinner (but more evil) than usual for death metal. It sounds like a high-quality live rehearsal. I don't think it was recorded live but it has a similarly messy, raucous sound. I assume the band had limited studio time because everything sounds hurried and hasty. I’d bet these songs were recorded in one or two takes. Of course, this helps the band. They are solid musicians and the playing is tight. The resulting vibrancy cannot be faked. I prefer this kind of 'production' to the relentless identikit studio editing that happens nowadays.

"Subconscious Projection" is a good demo. It captures Contagion/Funereal at their most violent and aggressive. The band took a curious journey from here. They slowed down and flirted with Autopsy-esque death/doom on their excellent second demo ("Seclusion"), then they sped up again on subsequent releases. Most of the band's recordings are worth hearing for fans of dirty old death metal. Give this one a listen.