Very raw death metal from one of Century Media's first releases. As with most trios, Asphyx have a very strong rhythm section. The sound is also very full for only three members. This is a refreshing change: while some death metal outfits produce the humanity out of the album, Asphyx remain a little sloppy and yet more enjoyable as the result.

Entry points: "Vermin," "Evocation," "The Sickening Dwell" and "Ode to a Nameless Grave."

As with any band on Big Chief, after you first hear Dead Horse, you cock your head and sort of turn it sideways. Then you realize all is not normal. Sure, there are very rough vocals, almost death-style, but the rhythm section has it together. And although it is close to grindcore, there is much too much sense of melody in the riffs and lead work.

Some of my reporters have already discovered these guys. Good for you! This is a really fun album. Folks at my station are wearing out their cover of "Rock Lobster" (along with "the Pee-Wee Herman Rap" and, oh, some other song as the three tunes I would never dance to in high school). Finally a decent version!

Awe-inspiring cuts: "Cod Piece Face," "Like Asrielle," "Snowdogs," "Alpo" and of course the B-52s cover.

This is from the title track: Now I ride a BMX bike/ And mutilate young girls who I can find at night/ I'll pick up your daughter and show her my toy/ After I kill her she'll give birth to a boy.

Not to call these boys misogynistic; let's just say misanthropic, shall we? The label describes the music, which is rather well-produced and pretty decently performed. You can't understand the lyrics when sung, so you can play them.

Philly hard core gods release another batch of truly inspiring music. Mike Illes' screeching vocals are a nice break from either Bad Religion wanna be harmonies or death metal-style incoherence. The music is top notch, with great riffs abounding and even occasional lead solo work.

Once again, C/Z has pulled a cool band out of the depths of obscurity (check out their Hammerbox release from earlier this year; it's a must). Produced by Seattle scene guru Jack Endino, Built-In Pain is a treat for the ears.

Cuts to blast: "Nightmares," "With Your Belief," "Built-In Pain," "Suicide City" and "God Machine" (woo-woo!).

No Swedish meatballs here. Just rough, rough music with truly gruesome (non-processed, I believe) vocals. The album starts off fast and doesn't let up. If you are after a pure adrenaline rush, Grave will give it to you.

I must admit, all of the songs have the same speed and intensity for the most part, which hinders identification of individual songs. But occasionally a surprise perks up, and I must also say I have no problem with every song speeding along into oblivion. Great album to write a term paper to (gets the blood going).

Fairly traditional sounding death metal. I like the fact the vocals are not run through any machines. The cassette I received had three tracks on it. All are certainly worthy of airplay. If you have any room for demos in your formats (and you should) give these guys a yell.

When I first heard the In the Eyes of Death compilation, I knew I had to hear more Morgoth. A friend I knew who rambled back from Europe could not remember much about a certain show that kicked his ass, but he thought the band's name was More Butt (he had a habit of frequenting pits and making them even more violent). He must have meant Morgoth. Cursed fully lives up to my expectations. Morgoth have learned it is okay for death metal bands to mix up the speeds a bit, not to mention enunciate just a little bit.

I haven't heard a better death metal album this year, and for my money, what is currently coming out of Europe stomps most of the staid Florida crowd into the dirt (tho' I must hear the new Deicide album before passing final judgement). My pick for death metal song of the year: "Sold Baptism." Other tracks that made me strain my neck: "Isolated," "Body Count," "Opportunity is Gone" and "Unreal Imagination." Fuckin' great!

One thing Century Media has done this year is bring over some of the best (and harshest) European bands. As far as international following goes, Germany's Rumble Militia is one of the biggest Century Media bands, with good reason. Much like Suicidal Tendencies (whom they have toured with), Rumble Militia approach metal with a hard core edge. The chord constructions are fairly simple and the lyrics are scathing. There is a hint of melody in the vocals. All in all, a very appealing package for either hard core or metal fans.

For those of you on a more commercial bent, check out "You're Sure." Those looking for a little more bite (political and musical) scope "Save Yourself," "Boys in Blue" or "Waiting for Death." Or, you can do like I do, and play everything on the damn album. It's that good.

Rising from the ruins of the Swedish band Nihilist (along with Entombed, who will be releasing an album on Earache soon), Unleashed deliver stylish death metal. Some very fine riffs find their way along with some real speed. But even when things get going, the band remains in control, something you don't always find in death metal.

Start off tracks: "Before the Creation of Time," "The Dark One," "Into Glory Ride" and "Dead Forever."

It took me longer to consider Mechanic's case as an independent than any other label. But, as they have their own offices and staff, and some semblance of history before MCA, they're in for now.

So is the new Voivod. I think I see why Blacky left. Nothing against the boys: this is a great album: but it sounds a lot more like Rush than Voivod. Of course, Voivod has a rather long history of musical re-directions in the relatively short period the band has been in existence.

No need to review cuts here; you fuckers are playing the shit out of this. Keep it up. (Christ, Nebraska leads MU by 36 at halftime.)