Rhapsodies in Red

Here we have Disastrous Murmur’s debut album, a gem that seldom gets mentioned in most death metal circles. It’s a shame too, since Rhapsodies in Red is actually a very good record. It has all the qualities that make death metal so widely revered and admired. The disgustingly grimy production, proficient musicianship and nasty cover art makes this one a keeper for every true death metal fan. But let’s not just take this at face value only folks. Of course, riffs are the bread and butter of every good death metal album. There’s simply no shortage of quality riffs here. Stylistically, think of an impressive, nebulous blend of early Gorguts and Suffocation riffs. The only difference is, make it less hyperactive and add in much more guttural vocals. I also detect some influences from their countrymen Pungent Stench.

Again, the riffing is nothing short of enthralling, blending moshpit-friendly grooves, thrash and tremolo riffs into one dazzling, cohesive sound. Unlike most bands that take one riff and stretch it well beyond its limit, Disastrous Murmur actually knows when to spice things up a bit. The result is a structurally frenetic album with enough twists and turns to satisfy the pickiest of death metal fans. Secondly, the drumming is also varied, making this album one very fill-laden experience. Manfred gives off a very charming, hectic performance, and it certainly shows on such cuts like Flesh…Is What I Need and Extra Uterine Pregnancy. This is all tied together by a severely crushing production. It’s so bass-heavy and thick that it’ll grind your brain into a soupy heap of mush. Seriously, this gives albums like Effigy of the Forgotten a run for their money. The drums in particular sound incredible, almost like a blunt sledgehammer straight to the skull. In other words, this is the heaviest album Scott Burns never produced.

Interestingly enough, the band also throw in some strange keyboard effects into the fray, the biggest example being the opening of Into the Dungeon. It sounds terribly dated and cheesy; almost kind of like the old X-files episode I used watch when I was a kid. Still, it’s all the minor quirks that make Rhapsodies in Red what it is. It’s not perfectly convincing but it’s an intriguing concoction nonetheless. The last sonic ingredient to the mix are Harald’s unintelligible belches. While comparisons can be drawn to Cannibal Corpse’s Chris Barnes I personally find Harald’s voice slightly more disturbing. It is one-dimensional but there’s no arguing that it compliments the albums heavy sound. In the end, I’m afraid there’s nothing revolutionary going on in Rhapsodies in Red. Then again, disgusting, brutally honest death metal isn’t something you should consider passing up either. Face it people, the scene back then was simply fraught with uninspired crap. These guys are an exception. Simply put, Rhapsodies in Red is an overlooked relic that doesn’t deserve to be forgotten. It pretty much has everything a death metal fan would want in an album. If you’re tired of today’s safe and clinical take on death metal then you owe it to yourself to track down this rotten masterpiece. In short, it’s a very fun, devilishly nasty ride. Go get it.

I do my reviews short, I don't review albums track by track, cause it doesn't make any sense. If somebody wants to know exactly what the music is like, let him/her just buy the damn album!

Rhapsodies in Blood - 1992 release by Austrian band Disastrous Murmur - a name nowadays almost completely forgotten, though 10 years ago this band was proudly mentioned alongside best european death metal crews.

Something about the music then.
It's technical death metal at its best. Very rhythmic riffs that make you wanna bang your head.
If you heard early Gorguts recordings you know what to expect. Fast, mercyless riffing, atomic blast beats and good kinda chaotic growl similar to that of Marc Grewe of Morgoth.
Though the music is very good, brutal and enjoyable, there's one thing that may annoy you:
- poor sound of keyboards that can be heard in the background every now and then, it gets especially annoying in 'Satisfaction in the Morgue'.
If the album was to be remixed, I'd ask the producer myself to delete those vocals.
- lack of solos (except for 'Dinner Is Served') I personally like me some good insane death metal solos, and that's what I would like to hear on this album.

Nevertheless, I give it a well-deserved 9/10 and a high spot in european death metal ranking.