Gunk

NUCLEAR DEATH - BRIDE OF INSECT/CARRION FOR WORM, CD, 2000, EXTREMIST RECORDS, USA

Picked up this putrid little gem a couple weeks ago and haven't been able to stop listening to it since. The re-release of Nuclear Death's first two LPs (originally released under Wild Rags, the former home of Norway's Emperor) perfectly encapsulates the band's early grind/death metal sound.

Lori Bravo, as always, is in perfect form. Her lyrics forgo straight up gore in favor of slightly more subtle yet much more horrifying abstract themes, containing references to rather violent episodes of incest and deformed humanity. Particularly visible in Carrion for Worm is Bravo's penchant for creating a Lovecraftian atmosphere of insanity in her vocals, which matches perfectly to the schizophrenic style of the instruments.

There are some moments of thrash influence (most palpable in Bride of Insect) on the record, and the mixing of the snare gives it the perfect amount of echo for the lo-fi vibe. Occasionally the vocals are reminiscent of Show No Mercy-era Tom Araya, giving the record a very 80s metal feel (despite its components having been released in 1990 and 1991).

Definitely worth a buy. For a slightly trippier experience, check out ND's later releases The Planet Cachexial (1999, Cat's Meow Records) and Harmony Drinks of Me (2000, Cat's Meow Records) which veer heavily into prog and space rock.

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