I was never a big fan of now legendary Dutch death metal outfit Asphyx as a kid 'cause for some insane reason Martin Van Drunen's vocals bugged me. But years later I eventually found a few of their CD's for dirt cheap and came to the realization that, yes, Martin Van Drunen is fucking awesome, and at least the early Asphyx material (I never really paid attention to their post-Van Drunen work)—especially their 1991 debut, "The Rack" (on Century Media)—contains some absolutely classic material. I mean, shit, one listen to "Vermin" (the first "real" song after one of those silly "eerie" intros) should hook you in, as that shit's pure fucking energy—one of the greatest death metal tunes ever written. There's just something about the band's filthy guitar tones (a great match for Van Drunen's patented snarl) and penchant for jumping from thrashy, straight ahead death metal to dingily pounding, discordant, doom-laden rhythms and melodic leads that just does the trick, you know?
I don't even know that much about the band's history, since it took me so long to wake up and start appreciating their heyday. They formed in 1987, had a bunch of lineup changes throughout the recording sessions for a handful of demos, hooked up with Van Drunen after he left Pestilence, recorded two albums and an EP with him, then continued on through the mid-90's—and I don't think any single founding member consistently appeared on every Asphyx release. Then they kinda-sorta changed their name to Soulburn in the late-90's, but by 2000 had released another Asphyx album. Now Van Drunen's back in the band with founding drummer Bob Bagchus, and, well... who knows!? Like I said, I haven't really kept up, to be honest with you. What's important, at least for the purposes of this post, is checking out a couple of these early jams:
Asphyx "Vermin"
Asphyx "Pages in Blood"
This one's still available in reissued form, and if you're not averse to buying mp3's you can get the entire album (plus live bonus tracks) for pretty damn cheap all around, so... enjoy.
Get It
Amazon.com (CD)
Relapse Records (CD)
Amazon.com (mp3)
eMusic (mp3)
iTunes (mp3)
Comments
Only the Dutch could call a band Ass-fix and act like they got away with it. I like the bone-dry guitar tone on this record.
6.20.2008 | By svein
OK, seriously. I just realized Darkthrone stole the opening riff in Triumphant gleam from just over two minutes into Vermin. Fucking excellent.
6.20.2008 | By svein
very interesting sound. have to check this complete asap.
6.20.2008 | By Anonymous
This album has always been fucking amazing. When I was younger, I didn’t get it either, it was slower than hyperblast speed and the vocals didn’t do anything for me. As I got a little older and my taste got less stupid, I found myself really enjoying it.
6.20.2008 | By Carlzilla
I’ve been a magor fan of this band since their earliest days and have collected every thing they have released. Brilliant album by a legendary (in the underground at least!) band. Everybody that likes this should check out the newly released debut from HAIL OF BULLETS. They feature the same vocalist from ASPHYX as well as the drummer from GOREFEST, both guitarists from THANATOS, and the the bassist of HOUWITSER. A Dutch death metal super group.
6.20.2008 | By Ken
Hail of Bullets rules!
Check out an interview I did with them:
http://www.smnnews.com/2008/05/07/hail-of-bullets-stephan-gebedi-guitars/
6.20.2008 | By Carlos
Damn, I completly forgot about this album. I haven’t been listening to much death metal lately and this really hits the spot. The doomy parts kinda remind me of what autopsy was going for, but this totally has a feel of its own. Anyone interested in some seriously good death metal should check out Hacksaw to the Throat. They put out two great releases, but recently decided to part ways.
6.21.2008 | By paul
Vermin really does hook you in. Good shit.
6.21.2008 | By Jon
Good band. Their post-VanDrunun shit isn’t the greatest. He was the highlight of the band. I hated his vocals when I first heard them on Pestilence’s raging Consuming Impulse but I think it was just cause they seemd overly harsh and extreme for my 13 year-old Testament-listening ears back in 1990. Same goes for Entombed’s guitar tone on Left Hand Path.
6.21.2008 | By Justin
john tardy vocals
6.25.2008 | By L.ron
bought this when it came out all those years ago and I thought it was sooo cold, in a evil metal way. took me some time to get into back then but to this date it’s one of my favourites and truly underrated
6.27.2008 | By Birkir
They’re booked for Maryland Deathfest this year. Prettttyyy cool.
7.25.2008 | By Mitchel
Vermin is just an amazing song. Great energy! I am a lawyer and in case I have pleadings I always listen to this tune just to be uploaded!
7.31.2008 | By Daan