Autopsy – Ashes, Organs, Blood and Crypts
Release Date: 27th October 2023
Label: Peaceville Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Metal, Doom Metal.
FFO: Asphyx, Vomitory, Obituray, Incantation.
Review By: Carlos Tirado
Autopsy emerged at the dawn of extreme metal, delivering two seminal albums, Severed Survival and Mental Funeral, that left an indelible mark on the genre. These albums blended direct riffs, guttural vocals, a bass tuned to the depths of oblivion, and production so abysmally raw that it concealed any technical deficiencies. While Autopsy has occasionally shown glimpses of brilliance since then, it was their recent offering, Morbidity Triumphant, that marked a return to form for the veteran band.
Just a year later, Autopsy took a risky step with the release of Ashes, Organs, Blood, and Crypts. Despite its somewhat stereotypical title, the album showcases Autopsy‘s willingness to slow down the tempo and experiment with doomy melodies. While these elements are not entirely novel, they are explored here more extensively than ever before. In an unexpected twist, the album even flirts with a Thrash/Doom fusion, as the riffs exhibit a direct and primal quality that complements their constant aggression.
The vocals remain as repugnant as ever, although they might not evoke the same visceral experience as those on Morbidity Triumphant, where they felt like an integral part of the journey. This leads to the central observation about the album: it bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, albeit slightly more refined and possibly less heavy. Consequently, it becomes challenging to pinpoint specific moments or sequences that leave a lasting impression.
It’s not that Ashes, Organs, Blood, and Crypts is lacking; rather, it feels comfortably familiar without venturing into surprising territories. For die-hard Autopsy fans, this album delivers precisely what you’d expect – Death metal that goes straight for the jugular and stays true to its essence. However, for those less deeply committed to the band, it may not command the same level of attention.
In fairness, this album finds itself amid one of the craziest years for Death metal in recent memory, prompting comparisons with the wealth of talent that has already surfaced. It raises questions about whether Autopsy played it safe by adhering to their strengths. Ultimately, the verdict lies with you, the listener, to determine if Autopsy‘s latest offering resonates in a year filled with amazing releases.
(3 / 5)
