Asphyx
Crush the Cenotaph
[Century Media]
Years ago, when I first got a dub of this EP, I thought it sucked. Now,
three or so years later, I think it's godly. I'm so glad I gave it a second
chance. This could arguably be the band's best work,
although I think their self-titled 1994 effort was damn impressive. This EP
has five tracks, three from the studio
and two from a live setting, with rather good sound seeing as this was
recorded back in the early '90s.
Asphyx is an old-school death metal styled band whose music relies on
catchy riffs based on
a slow- to mid-pacing. It works quite well, especially when well-placed
double-bass is utilized (much like Bolt Thrower). The power of
Asphyx's music is overwhelming sometimes, as evidenced in the track "Rite
of Shades". It's a rather short
song, but it perfectly showcases the band's many talents: Bob Bagchus's
drumming, Eric Daniel's guitar work and
Martin Van Drunen's manic vocals. He truly had a style all his own. Even
though this is just an EP, I think it's
the best Asphyx I've heard thus far.
© 1999 goden