The Crypt of Madness

This CD is a split album and the first recording from Paths Of Possession with George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher (of Cannibal Corpse fame) on vocals. The songs from P.O.P. are pretty raw but a good primer for the next album "Promises In Blood". In fact 3 of the 6 songs appear on that album. This is melodic death metal, much more so than Cannibal Corpse.

But, while the P.O.P. songs are very good, the second half of the CD, being the demo of the band "Dark Faith" is the real prize here. Starting with track 7, 'Rending The Shroud' this band really knows how to do the classic death metal sound. Although this band in not nearly as popular as the other, they are MUCH better.

They do death metal that reminds me of the stuff from the early '90's when death metal mattered. Also, there is a really good version of Death's 'Zombie Ritual'. The last 2 songs, 'Constrictions Of The Flesh' and 'Storms Of Vengeance' are absolutely great.

Musically speaking, the production of Dark Faith's half is quite crisp, seeing as this is a demo, as opposed to the Paths Of Possession half, which is much rawer. The guitars are pretty clean for a recording of this sort, and the vocals stand out front like they should. The bass and drums compliment the rest of the composition nicely.

The P.O.P. recordings are raw and muddied sounding, but still very brutal. The guitars kind of blend with the rest of the music and it does seem to get a bit tedious. Corpsegrinder's trademark vocals are ever present, hinting at the fact that this band is as popular as they are BECAUSE of him. Not that they are bad musicians, but the music gets mediocre.

In all, I would recommend this disc, if you can happen to find it (it's out of print now). Dark Faith certainly has a bright future ahead of them if this is to be trusted. As for Paths Of Possession, think of a more melodic and less imaginative Cannibal Corpse and you pretty much have it.