Mortification - Break the Curse 1990 (Nuclear Blast Germany) 1990
Mortification - Break the Curse 1990 (Rowe Productions) 1990/2001
1. "Blood
Sacrifice" (3:36) |
 Mortification 1990: Cameron Hall, Steve Rowe & Jayson Sherlock |
Mortification:
(1990) Produced by: Doug Sanders |
This album is the Lightforce’s "Break the Curse" demo re-mastered with the bonus track ("Butchered Mutilation") from Nuclear Blast's "Death is Just the Beginning" compilation and re-released in 1994. All songs but the bonus track were recorded in April of 1990. The music on "Break the Curse" reminds me a bit of early Kreator or Destruction, mixing together elements of thrash and the beginnings of death metal. The production is raw, but it works well for this CD. Back in the early 80's heavy metal wasn't about stellar production and bands like Raven and Motorhead released discs that may not have been sonically brilliant, but the music was awesome! The raw production only made the music that much better. That is exactly the case with Break the Curse. The band's next album would have a similar sound but would add the bottom end in the production that is missing here. A lot of these songs also appeared on the Mortification self titled disc. The bonus track "Butchered Mutilation" is incredibly heavy and is one of the best death metal songs Mortification has ever written. This song never saw the light of day on any release in the U.S. and was only ever released on this German import and an obscure Nuclear Blast compilation. Too bad, it's a killer song with a much needed message. Two other songs, "Blood Sacrifice" and "Break the Curse" would not see an American release until the 1996 "Best of...Five Years" compilation some years later. This item is a genuine collector's item now. I've seen sell for well over $100. I paid $15 for mine when it was a newly released import. Also see: |
Mortification (Intense) 1991
Mortification (Soundmass) 2007
1. "Until
The End" (3:47) |
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Mortification:
(1991) Additional musicians: Produced by Roger Martinez (Vengeance Rising) |
This album was continually, and is still, mislabeled as "death metal." While Steve Rowe's vocals style may be of the death variety, the music is pure, unadulterated thrash metal. It reminds me a bit of Kreator or even Destruction. It is pretty obvious that these guys were heavily influenced by the thriving thrash scene in the early 90's. In anycase, the music had hooks and the drum playing was some of the best around. The lyrics, written mostly by Jayson and Steve, were bold Christianity, which may have turned off some listeners. This album was released with two different covers; one for the Christian stores, which featured only the logo with the two sculls, and a secular cover that featured souls being cast into the lake of fire. Both covers were drawn by drummer Jayson Sherlock. (Yes, I own both covers.) Actually, it is the "Christian" cover that is more the collector's item. Most of these songs, especially "Brutal Warfare" are still concert favorites. The only real weak point in this disc is the production, which is a bit thin compared to what was to come. This is a must for any fan of thrash metal or early death metal. Also a must for any true Mortification fan.
This disc, along with the next three were re-released in double discs sets by KMG. The re-releases, however, are all quite poor. The cover artwork is cheap, none of the original liner notes were included, and even the mastering is poor. However, in 2007 Soundmass in Australia remastered and re-released this album with a slick digi cover and 8-page booklet. There are no bonus tracks added, but this release is well worth picking up if you don't own the original or if you want the improved sound quality. Unfortunately this is a limited, numbered edition release of only 1,000 copies. Get 'em before they are gone.
Mortification - Scrolls of the Megilloth (Intense) 1992
Mortification - Scrolls of the Megilloth (Soundmass) 2005
1. "Nocturnal"
(6:08) 2005 Reissue Bonus Tracks Mortification:
(1992) Additional musicians: Produced by Doug Sanders & Mortification |
 Michael Carlisle |
"Scrolls of the Megilloth" is the album that is hailed by many as Mortification's best effort. It is generally upheld as a classic in the death metal genre, and most certainly in the Christian metal sub-genre. I certainly do not disagree that it was a very popular and important album in it's influence. Many modern Christian metal bands were inspired by this album, some even using the song titles as a name for their band. This disc, unlike the self titled, is pure, unadulterated death metal. The blast beats abound! Heavy, downtuned, fast, chaotic, technical...it's just an all over good release.
Of course, Mortification could never break free from their roots and their love for thrash and classic heavy metal still showed through the D-tuned madness. Steve Rowe's love for epic songs began to show at this point with "Ancient Prophecy", which clocks in at nearly twelve minutes long. The song writing is slightly more progressive than the band's debut as well. Even the musicianship seems to have improved. The only thing really missing are the guitar solos. Guitarist Michael Carlisle never claimed to be a lead player. In fact one of the few guitar solos on this album, during "Ancient Prophecy", drummer Jayson Sherlock provided the lick. Honestly, however, the lack of solos really isn't all that apparent. The songs are progressive enough and are written in such a way that they aren't really missed.
Lyrically the band has matured quite a bit as well. They still bring forth their strong Christian beliefs, but in a much more interesting way. Songs like "Scrolls of the Megilloth" are actually straight up Bible teachings. Others like "Nocturnal" were an attempt to show disapproving Christians why they do what they do. The production is overall heavy and dense, despite a slightly weak guitar tone. Regardless, "Scrolls" blows away their self titled album in the production department. "Scrolls of the Megilloth" is definitely one of Morty's best and ranks with "EnVision EvAngeline", "Hammer of God" and "Post Momentary Affliction" on the top of my list. It is a must for any fan of brutal metal, and if you're a Mortification fan, then you should already own this!
2005 Reissue Bonus Tracks
This album has been reissued several times on several different record companies over the years. Despite this, "Scrolls" was out of print and becoming increasingly harder to find. In 2005, Soundmass re-released "Scrolls" with four pre-production demo tracks added and an 8-page full color booklet. The cover art has been only slightly altered from the original. The sound quality on the Soundmass release is great, and was probably remastered, although without comparing the original to this I am not 100% positive. The four demo tracks are much more raw and obviously were not recorded with the purpose of releasing them. However, they do offer the Mortification fanatic a look into the workings of the band.
I personally own several copies of this album now, including the original Intense Records release, a Nuclear Blast promo copy, the Nuclear Blast 1995 special edition digi-pack, a vinyl copy on Nuclear Blast and now this Soundmass reissue. There is also a crappy KMG records re-issue of this album that features a cheap, single page insert. The Soundmass reissue is by far the best re-issue thus far. My only suggestion for making it better would have been to include "Butchered Mutilation" or the studio version of "Time Crusaders" as bonus tracks.
Mortification - Post Momentary Affliction (Intense/Nuclear Blast) 1993
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Next to EnVision EvAngeline, this would be my favorite Mortification disc. What we have here is a return to the thrash roots from the first album, but with more finesse. The influences of Iron Maiden and especially Manowar are showing through much more than in the past. This is just a great speed metal/thrash feast. This album was also the introduction of the new vocals style. The deathly growl still present, but mixed with a clean, doomy shout that would begin to become more prevelant in future discs. The lyrics are mature, Christ centered, and intelligent. I guess the return to thrash was not what Jayson Sherlock wanted, as soon after the release of P.M.A., he announced his departure to play with doom/death band Paramęcium. A shame, really, as the drum work on this cd is phenomenal! Some of the best drumming in metal. Period!
The Intense cover was drawn by drummer Jayson Sherlock. (Yes, I own both covers.) This album would be the final studio disc of what many would consider the classic Mortification line-up.
1. "Grind
Planetarium" (5:16) Mortification:
(1993) Produced by Doug Sanders Recorded
live October, 1 1993 |
 Steve Rowe |
Ah yes, a live album from our favorite Australian imports. Good recording, wild crowd from the Blackstump Festival and a good selection of tunes from the first three discs. Two new songs that we were told would be on the next studio album, however, only "Symbiosis" ever made it onto any official Mortification release. The studio verison of "Time Crusader" would only see light of day on the very obscure Australia Metal 1 compilation. Probably a wise decision as this live version was beefy and could not be beat! Actually one of the best songs on the disc. A botched, speedy version of Bloodgood's "Black Snake." It contains the worst guitar solo ever recorded. Micheal Carlisle never claiming to be much of a lead player, proves it with this solo. The production isn't bad for a live offering. Probably not the disc you want to get if you are new to Mortification, but a must for fans. "Live Planetarium" is one of the discs on my top favorite live discs.
Mortification - Blood World (Intense/Nuclear Blast) 1994
Mortification
- Blood World (Metal Mind) 1994/2008
1. "Clan of
Light" ( 4:21) Mortification:
(1994) Produced by: |
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Mortification
1994: |
With a new drummer, a new producer, and a new logo comes a new sound. Many cried "sellout." Some said they went "hardcore." This, of course, was not even slightly true. The death metal sound was gone but the thrash sound was now completely in place. "Blood World" is not my favorite disc either, but it has some great songs. Some are Mortification classics, while others were just not of the calibur of past albums. However, this was actually the best selling Mortification disc of their entire catalogue, especially in the U.S..
Nuclear Blast & Intense put out very similar covers. The big difference actually being in the inside and back cover photos. The change was actually part of what fueled the "sellout" fire. On the Intense version, the classic Mortification logo was gone and replaced with a new logo that featured three swords in place of the crosses. The Nuclear Blast cover, which was released after the Intense version, had the classic logo back in place, although moved into the right corner. (Yes, I own both covers.) Blood World is a disc for thrash fans and a must for Mortification fans but is probably not the disc to use to introduce the band to a new listener.
In 2008 Metal Mind re-released almost all the Mortification catalog. All featured bonus tracks, but most of them were not really exclusive. However, "Blood World" features the excellent studio track "Entering the Eternal Dawn". This track was recorded with the Blood World line-up and originally released on a Nuclear Blast compilation."Altar of God" is from the 2002 independent release titled "Relentless". I'm not sure why this particular track was chosen as a bonus for this CD unless it was specifically chose to promote "Relentless". The live tracks were previously released on the "Live Without Fear" EP.
Mortification - Primitive Rhythm Machine (Intense) 1995
1. "Primitive
Rhythm Machine" (4:38) Mortification:
(1995) Additional musicians: |
 1994 Blood World Tour line-up: Jason Campbell, Steve Rowe and Bill Rice |
Produced by George Ochoa |
Steve Rowe, the Lone Ranger. The only original member who trudges on in his metal crusade. Together with his "Blood World Tour" touring band and George Ochoa (ex-Deliverance/Recon) put out this thrash disc in a bit of a hurry. The production is a bit raw, or "primitive," if I might say so. Lots of tribal beats, and a sort of Sepultura-vibe. Favorite tunes "Gut Wrench" and "Mephibosheth," the latter still in the bands live set as of 1999."Providence" also features a short guest vocal section by ex-Recon vocalist Vett Roberts. Lyrics are very evangelistic in nature. A great disc that would sit well in any metal collection.
Ultimatum recorded a cover of "Gut Wrench" on their "Lex Metalis" CD.
Mortification - The Best of Five Years (Intense) 1996
| 1.
"Blood Sacrifice" (3:36) 2. "New Beginnings" (2:37) 3. "The Destroyer Beholds" (3:19) 4. "The Majestic Infiltration of Order" (1:06) 5. "Nocturnal" (6:08) 6. "Scrolls of the Megilloth" (4:25) 7. "Grind Planetarium" (5:16) 8. "Distarnished Priest" (7:50) 9. "Brutal Warfare" [live] (4:10) 10. "Time Crusader" [live] (5:55) 11. "Blood World" (4:12) 12. "Your Life" (4:16) 13. "Primitive Rhythm Machine" (4:38) 14. "Mephibosheth" (3:47) |
 Steve Rowe |
This one boasted two unreleased tracks ("Blood Sacrifice" & "New Beginnings"), but both of these tracks had been released on the "Break the Curse 1990" cd that Nuclear Blast had put out a few years earlier. I guess it was only available as an import, but I was bummed that this "best of " compilation didn't include at least the hard to find studio version of "Time Crusaders." At least the cover featured some cool photos and a discography. The songs are laid out in chronological order as well, which is kind of cool, as you can hear how Mortification changed over the years.
Forgot to mention that the studio version of "Time Crusaders" is available on Rowe's Godspeed Australian Metal Compilation. I think this is the only place, other than on MP3 format, that this song is available.
Mortification - EnVision EvAngeline (Nuclear Blast) 1996
Well, once again, with new band members comes a new sound. New indeed! This being my favorite Morty offering to date, I like the changes that were made. Steve Rowe now fully implementing his love for "true metal." Gone now were all traces of Mortification's death metal past, and back was Steve's initial vision of a classic metal/thrash band. The epic "EnVision EvAngeline," inspired by the likes of Iron Maiden 's epic numbers and especially Manowar's "Achilles, Agony and Ecstacy in Eight Parts," clocked in at over eighteen minutes. Galloping bass, killer guitar riffs and some of the best solos any Mortification guitarist has put forth thus far. This song alone would be worth the price of the disc, but wait...there are seven more delightful metal mosels to get you banging you head. "Noah was a Knower" is a speedy thrash song that uses a bit of humor to tell the story of Noah's obedience towards God. "Northern Storm" is one of the greatest songs Mortification has ever written. Incredible guitar riff! "Buried into Obscurity" is a cool groove metal number written by new drummer Keith Bannister.
The drum work is simplistic throughout the disc but well executed. This is actually the first band Keith had ever recorded with. At the time of the recording he had only been playing less than a year. Formerly he was a Mortification rodie for Australian tours.
The disc was released by three different companies, and with that there is slight differences in the artwork. In the U.S. Diamante released the disc with a plain black imprint on the cd and a bad moray in the cover art. The best copies are the Australian and German copies, released by Rowe Productions and Nuclear Blast respectively, with the gold and black ink print on the cd and far superior printing on the cover.
This is an incredible release that would fit well in any metal collection.
1. "Mephiboseth"
(3:50) |
1. "EnVision
A Beginning" (2:10) |
Mortification:
(1996) Mixed by Mark McCormack and Steve Rowe |
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Metal, the way it was meant to be recorded, LIVE and RAW! Seriously, this is a live club recording-a few hundred screaming fans and a raw sound. Live recording by Phil Lake at "The Voice" nightclub, Feb. 3, 1996 on the "EnVision EvAngeline" Austalian tour that was titled, appropriately, "Live Without Fear Tour." Unlike the "Live Planetarium" disc, which had a big production at a large festival with big crowds, these two discs are more akin to what you would hear, should you attend a Mortification show. A nice array of songs from each album are present as well as some humor a la Steve Rowe. The NOAH cover art is done by former drummer Jayson Sherlock. Quite the title too, huh? If I could only have one of these, however, it would be the "Live Without Fear" disc as it is longer and has a better variety of songs. Both are cool discs for collector's of all things Mortification.
Mortificiation - Triumph of Mercy (Metal Blade/Rowe Productions) 1998
1. "At War
With War" (4:54) Mortification:
(1998) Produced by: Mark
McCormick and |
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Well, after almost losing Steve Rowe to Leukemia only a few short months earlier, I get a call from Steve telling me how excited he is about the new disc and U.S. Tour. REAL soon after I hear a three song demo of songs Steve wrote from his hospital bed. Hmmm...for a man who was suppose to die several times and was told he would never walk, see, or play bass again, this demo sure sounded good. God did work a miracle in Steve as he was completely healed of this deadly disease. A good majority of the disc is about what Steve had gone through over the past year and a half. Musically, this disc was a slight return to the death metal past, but only slightly. Actually this disc is more akin to EnVision, which if you have read my review on EnVision, you know I like. This disc again continues with the classic metal influences and the thrash overtones. Once again we have a lengthy number, although not as lengthy as EnVision, in the titled track "Triumph of Mercy." The song is a detailed story of Steve's fight with his infirmity and the ultimate victory he had in trusting God. Other songs like "Drain Dweller," echo the snappy thrash songs off EnVision. Actually, if it hadn't been for the lyrics, I would never have known there was a two year gap between albums. "Influence" has some of the most convicting lyrics by any Christian band and is a great metal song. This song is probably one of my all time favorite Mortification songs. The downfall to this disc is that the production suffers a bit compared to the clean sound of EnVision. In an attempt to sound more raw, the production is a bit weaker. The bass is way out front and the guitars a bit buried. The drums as well are just not as crisp as on EnVision EvAngeline. This aside, however, this is a much recommended disc.
Mortification - Hammer of God (Metal Blade/Rowe Productions) 1999
1. "Metal
Crusade" (7:15) Mortification: (1999) Additional musicians: Produced and Engineered by: Mark McCormick |
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Hammer of God comes out just short of a year after the release of "Triumph of Mercy." Once again, Mortification have gone for a classic metal sound, mixing in influences of thrash and only a small portion of death metal. All the vocals this time around are clear. The guitar tones are far better than any Morty disc from the past, however, Steve's signature bass sound is no longer present. Both the bass guitar and the bass drum are very buried in the guitar heavy mix. The first two cuts, "Metal Crusade" and "Martyrs" are two of the finest and most aggressive songs Mortification have written. Also included on this disc are the demo tracks from the "Triumph of Mercy" sessions as well as a medley of older material simply titled "Medley." This song is made up of "Lymphosarcoma" from Scrolls, "The Destroyer Beholds" from Mortification, "Distarnished Priest" from Post Momentary Affliction and "Love Song" from Blood World. Actually this is the same medley that the band played on their "Triumph of Mercy World Tour." "God Rulz" is an updated version of "The Majestic Infiltration of Order" from the self titled disc. Steve's son makes his vocal debut at the end of this song. A first for Mortification on this album is the use of a piano throughout the disc. Songs like"A Pearl" become beautiful metal songs due to the use of the piano. "D.W.A.M" or "Daniel was a Mosher," is a whimsical take-off of the "Noah was a Knower" track from EnVision EvAngeline. Short song cloking in at only 1.59. Overall, not the best Mortification disc, but a good one none-the-less. The first two tracks and the medley alone are worth the price of admission.
Mortification - 10 Years Live Not Dead (Metal Blade/Rowe Productions) 1999
1. "Dead
Man Walking" (4:13)
2. "Buried Into Obscurity" (3:19)
3. "Medley" (7:50)
...."Lymphosarcoma"
...."The Destroyer Beholds
...."Distarnished Priest"
...."Love Song"
4. "Martyrs" (6:32)
5. "Peace in the Galaxy" (6:10)
6. "Hammer of God" (3:47)
7. "Influence" (5:30)
8. "Steve Thanks" (1:06)
9. "Mephibosheth" (3:47)
10. "Chapel of Hope" (4:38)
11. "Liberal Mediocrity" (3:49)
12. "God Rulz" (1:55)
13. "King of Kings" (:40)
Mortification: (1999)
Steve Rowe-bass, vocals
Lincoln Bowen-guitars
Keith Bannister-drums
Produced and Engineered by: Mark McCormick
Live album number two, or four if you count the two eps. This album features mostly material from the last three albums and the medley that was released on "Hammer of God." There is one new song as well, ("Dead Man Walking") which sounds like it may have been left over from the "Hammer of God" sessions as the lyrics are once again about Steve's bout with sickness. "King of Kings," is a bit deceiving as it looks to be another new song, but is only a short section of Steve screaming "Jesus, Jesus" from the stage. This will be the last album for Keith Bannister as well.
Mortification - The Silver Chord is Severed (Rowe Productions) 2001
| DISC
ONE 1. "Metal Blessing" (4:51) 2. "Access Denied" (3:10) 3. "Hardware" (6:02) 4. "Bring the Joy" (3:40) 5. "Standing at the Door of Death" (4:13) 6. "Whom They Would Kill" (3:18) 7. "I Am a Revolutionary" (4:49) 8. "Forsake the Flesh" (4:01) 9. "Sensitive Nerve Endings" (3:44) 10. "The Silver Cord Is Severed" (8:12) |
 Morfitication 2001: Steve Rowe, Adam Zaffarese & Lincoln Bowen |
Mortification: (2001)
Steve Rowe-bass, vocals
Lincoln Bowen-guitars
Adam Zaffarese-drums
With the news of a new drummer who is much younger than the rest of the band, rumors were flying that Mortification were going to go into a more "modern" direction. (i.e. hardcore/metalcore) Well, I am happy to say that this was just not true. Steve Rowe and his league of cohorts are still flying the flag of heavy metal. With no disrespect intended to Keith at all, I have to say that new drummer Adam Zaffarese (say that three time fast!) kicks butt! There are a few songs that have a hint of hardcore attitude to them, especially the Lincoln Bowen penned song "Access Denied." Steve seems to be incorporating some of his older, growlier vocals in the new album, which I think is a great idea. Overall, however, "Silver Chord" is not as solid an album as I would have liked. Whereas most Mortification CDs dominate my CD player for weeks after they are released, I found myself bored with this one rather quickly. Honestly, it's really hard for me to say anything negative about a band I have have been a fan of for so long and have so much respect for, but I really think with each album after "EnVision," the songwriting has become simpler and the hooks are less apparent. However, even with albums like "Hammer of God," I could pull out several standout tracks. With this one I cannot really say that with the exception of opening track "Metal Blessing". I also think this is the band's weakest album cover art. This would be the last CD Mortification would release on Nuclear Blast Germany.
I should also mention that there is a double disc version with "10 Years Live Not Dead" was released in Germany only. The US version is a single disc.
Mortification - Power, Pain & Passion-Ten Years 1990 - 2000 (Rowe)
2002
| 1."Human
Condition" (4:37) 2."Toxic Shock" (3:21) 3."Death Reqium" (5:10) 4."Martyrs" (5:27) 5."Satan's Doom" (6:08) 6."Hammer Of God" [live] (3:48) 7."Scrolls Of The Megilloth" [live] (3:27) 8."Mephibosheth" [live] (3:50) 9."Buried Into Obscurity" (3:27) 10."Monks Of The High Lord" (6:16) 11."At War With War" (4:52) 12."Illusion Of Life" (4:56) BONUS TRACKS - Acoustic Blessing 13."Metal Blessing" [live] (6:50) 14."Standing At The Door Of Death" [live] (5:45) 15."Your Life" [live] (4:18) 16."Grind Planetarium" [live] (5:22) |
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I could probably debate with a handful of Mortification fans for hours on the necessity (or lack thereof) of releasing yet another Mortification compilation cd. Apparently, with the exit of guitarist Lincoln Bowen and Mortification parting ways with both Nuclear Blast Germany and Metal Blade USA, Steve was about ready to hang up the 'ol Mortification banner and go on with other things. "Power, Passion & Pain" was to be the final goodbye. However, God had other plans for Mortification, and the band will go on with yet another new guitarist, releasing this and future albums on Steve's own label, Rowe Productions. I am also sure that we could debate and complain forever about songs we feel should or shouldn't be on this compilation. As it stand, Steve saw fit to include one song from each album, including both live albums and one of the two live EPs that were released several years ago. Of course with such a large catalogue of material there are songs I most certainly feel should have been on here that are not. I actually would have liked to have seen "Northern Storm," "Influence" and "Metal Crusade" on this disc. Of the later day Mortification songs, these are some of my favorites. Of the early years, I would have liked to have seen "Terminate Damnation," "Nocturnal," and "Distarnished Priest." Regardless if everyone's favorites are included or not, this is still a fairly good overview of the band's catalogue. I do have a complaint though. (You didn't think I wouldn't complain about something, now did you?) Why not include some more rarities like the incredibly rare "Butchered Mutilation," the studio version of "Time Crusaders" or the incredibly rare "Entering the Eternal Dawn". "Time Crusaders" and "Entering the Eternal Dawn" both have only seen the light of day on some very obscure compilations. There are four acoustic tracks included as a bonus affectionately called "Acoustic Blessing." These four tracks are amusing, and almost humorous. Death and thrash metal just don't translate well to acoustic guitars. The better of the four tracks are the two newer tracks, "Metal Blessing" and "Standing at the Door of Death." These two tracks work ok in this setting. The other two, well, as I said, death metal doesn't translate well on an acoustic guitar. It's also impossible to translate those brutal vocals to something more soft.
Mortification - Relentless (Rowe) 2002
Mortification - Relentless [Expanded] (Soundmass) 2013
1. "Intro"
(1:03) 2013 Soundmass Records Bonus tracks
14. Metal Blessing [live] (3:53)
15. Web of Fire [live] (4:59)
16. God Shaped Void [live] (4:55)
17. 3 of a Kind [live] (4:08)
Mortification: (2002) |
 Morfitication 2002: Adam Zaffarese, Steve Rowe, Mick Jelinic & Jeff Lewis |
I have been a Mortification fan since 1990, and frankly I was a fan of Lightforce before that. I have anxiously waited for each new release from Steve Rowe and Co. and for the most part have been quite happy. I am not one who has wanted the band to return to their death metal style of "Scrolls" However, I must admit I was disappointed with "Silver Chord" and I was a bit leary about what the new disc would hold with the rumor that Steve Rowe was putting the Mortification name to rest and then the news that Mortification had gone through yet another line-up change. Well thanks to the technology of MP3 I was able to check out a couple of tracks before buying and was pleasantly surprised. It seems two new guitarists have brought new life into this old metal machine. While I would not be so bold as to say that I think this is the band's finest work, I would say that it is their best work since 'EnVision EvAngeline' which is my personal favorite Morty disc. For the most part the guitar work shreds and the rhythm section just annihilates. Musically, Mortification are a hybrid mix of thrash, power and speed metal, all of which are right up my alley. There is even a doom song called 'Sorrow' and a song that borders death metal called 'Apocalyptic Terror.' Several songs have the feel of early 90's Mortification, although the lack of down tuned guitars and the absence of the heavy vocal effects makes even the blastbeats in "Bring Release" sound more like the newer Mortification. On the downside, there are a few songs that have overly repetitive choruses. "The Other Side Of The Coin" in particular made me think the cd was skipping like an old record the first time I heard it. "Altar Of God" in like manner has a chorus that would have been better had the words been varied a bit. Otherwise, I can't say enough good things about this disc. "Web of Fire", "God Shape Void", "Bring Release" and "Apocalyptic Terror" are all some of the band's best material ever.
"Relentless" was re-issued in 2013 by Australian independent label Soundmass. The re-issue contains four live tracks taken from the band's performance at Christmas Rock Night in Germany, 2002. The sound quality of these live tracks isn't bad, though are obviously not of the same quality as the studio tracks. Still, a nice addition to the re-issue. The re-issue also includes an 8-page booklet and a 2-sided card for the front cover art. Of the three simultaneously released Mortification albums, this was the only one to include the additional card.
"Brain Cleaner" marks the band's twelth studio release, if you count "Break the Curse". That album marks another line-up change for 'ol Mortification, but one that seems to have sparked a fire under Steve. This is an excellent CD! Musically Steve brings in elements of all the bands past albums with a big dose of "Post Momentary Affliction"-era death/thrash. As well, there is some classic heavy metal influences. "12 Men" in particular is a song Steve wrote back in the Lightforce days.
The album kicks off with a fast death/thrash track titled "Boaconstrictor" that is sure to bring smiles to the face of any longtime fans. The vocals on this song are similar to the more recent albums with Steve doing a gritty, grunty style of vocals. With track two Steve returns to the mixture of deathly growls of the past and his cleaner style. This actually continues throughout the entire CD. "Too Much Pain" is a fast, angry, aggressive thrasher. "Purest Intent" slows things down and is a bit more groove oriented. Once again, this song is a bit angrier and darker than the last few Mortification CDs. Without giving a complete song by song analysis, this is probably Mortification's most angry, aggressive CD since those early 1990's platters. We are treated to loads of fast double bass, some blast-beats, some choice guitar solos, and some hook-laiden songwriting.
Lyrically, Steve continues to preach his faith loud and clear, unashamed of who he is or who he serves. However, in tracks like "Purest Intent" and "I'm Not a Commodity" Steve lyrics seem a little angry and directed toward the critics of the band.
Long live the mighty Mortification! Long live Jesus Metal!
"Brain Cleaner" was re-released in 2013 by Australian independent label Soundmass. The re-issue contains several live tracks taken from the band's performance at Revolution Metal Fest in Mexico City, 2004. This was the infamous show that stirred up a lot of controversy due to headlining band Stryper backing out and not returning the promoter's deposit money. The sound quality on these tracks are of bootleg quality at best. which is unfortunate as the band is charged up in front of this large crowd. The track titled "Spoken Word" is Steve Rowe's stage banter, complete with Spanish interpreter. Unfortunately part of Steve's banter was hacked off. I'm not sure if it was recorded this way or if it was just bad editing.
Mortification - Erasing the Goblin (Rowe Productions) 2006
Mortification - Erasing the Goblin (MCM) 2006
Mortification - Erasing the Goblin [Expanded] (Soundmass) 2013
1. "Razorback"
(3:51) 2013 Soundmass Records Bonus tracks Mortification: (2006) |
 Steve Rowe, 2007 |
....and Steve Rowe's metal machine keeps rolling along! All I can say about the newest Mortification release is that this is what the fans have been asking for. Is it a return to "Scrolls"? No, "Erasing the Goblin" is it's own monster. However, it is the fastest, heaviest CD from this band in over a decade. Steve's vocal approach returns to the deeper growls as heard on the band's first self-titled album, as well as those thrashier vocals on "Break the Curse." The CD starts off with one of the band's best songs ever in "Razorback". This is old school death/thrash. The very next song follows up with a mixture of old and newer Mortification, that is equally as pummelling. "Escape the Blasphemous Tabernacle" has tinges of doom metal reminding me slightly of some of the doomier material on the band's early releases. Without going into a track by track review, let me just say that this is clearly one of the strongest Mortification releases in a long time. The only track I really found to be weak is ""Forged In Stone". This song starts off with Steve belching out the song title. This seems to have become one of Steve's trademarks. Otherwise, the mix is good, the guitars are dirty and gnarly, Steve's vocals sound great, the songwriting is strong, the lyrics are spiritual. What else do you need to know? Long live Jesus Metal! Long Live Mortification!
The cover pictured above to the left is the limited edition release. (Mine is #15/500.) This Rowe Productions release was only available retail through the Soundmass.com store as a pre-order. There were 500 copies pressed. Each copy is hand numbered, signed by each band member and contains the exclusive track "Dead Man Walking". This track was previously recorded on the band's "10 Years Live Not Dead" live CD. The version contained herein is the first studio recording of this song and is not included on the MCM Music release. The MCM version features the cover pictured to the right and has the song "Servants of the Supreme Message" in place of "Dead Man Walking". Of course, being the Mortification collector I am, I eventually had to track down both versions. (Thanks to Vartan for the MCM version).
2013 saw the re-release of "Erasing the Goblin" on Soundmass. The re-issue marks the third cover this album has had. Initially release independently on Rowe Productions, the album featured ten songs with song number ten being "Dead Man Walking". Later the album was issued on MCM Records with ten songs and "Servant of the Supreme Message" replacing "Dead Man Walking". This re-issue includes both tracks for a total of eleven album tracks. The re-issue also included eight live songs and a track titled "Spoken Word", which is stage banter from Steve Rowe. The live tracks were recorded a Nordic Fest, 2007.
Mortification - Live Humanitarian (Rowe Productions/Soundmass) 2007
1. "Erasing
the Goblin" (5:25) Mortification: (2007) |
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The Australian metal machine rolls into 2007 with a new live album. "Live Humanitarian" captures Steve Rowe and crew in Perth, Australia at the Imax Theater in front of a crowd of hungry metal maniacs. The song list here is mostly from newer Mortification releases. Those looking for death metal need to look elsewhere. Mort have managed to capture that live energy with new songs such as "Erasing the Goblin", "I'm Not Your Commodity" and "Purest Intent". Unfortunately, there is not much in the way of old material, other than the medley which is exactly the same as it appears on the bands 1999 release "10 Years Live Not Dead" and also as a bonus studio track on the Metal Blade version of "Hammer of God". Likewise, "Dead Man Walking", "Chapel of Hope" and "Hammer of God" were also on the 1999 live recording. It's a shame that Steve didn't drag out either some older cuts like "Nocturnal" or perhaps more newer songs such as "Razorback", "Boaconstrictor", "Metal Blessing", "Access Denied" or "Web of Fire". As it stands, only six of the eleven songs haven't been previously released on a live platter. The sound quality is quite good for a live recording. Steve's in-between song banter is honest and cool to hear. Hearing him talk candidly of his many encounters with near death and how he was told he had only days to live over ten years ago is quite the testimony to his faith and his will to live. Having seen Mortification live several times over the years, this album sounds like a good representation of the band. Of course it is essential for the Mortification fanatic such as myself.
Mortification - The Evil Addiction Destroying Machine (Rowe Productions) 20091. "The Evil Addiction Destroying Machine" (5:01)
2. "The Master Of Reinvention" (4:40)
3. "A Sense Of Eternity" (4:44)
4. "Elasticised Outrage" (5:46)
5. "One Man With Courage Makes A Majority" (4:17)
6. "Pilots Hanging From Shoulder Dust" (5:35)
7. "Pushing The Envelope Of The Red Sonrise" (2:51)
8. "I'm Not Confused" (3:29)
Mortification (2009)
Steve Rowe - Vocals, Bass
Michael Jelinic - Guitars
Adam Zaffarese - Drums
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 Morfitication 2009: Mick Jelinic, Steve Rowe & Adam Zaffarese |
Mortification – Break the Curse 1990-2010 20th Anniversary Gold Edition (Roxx Productions) 2010
| DISC ONE (CD) 1. "Blood Sacrifice" (3:36) 2. "Brutal Warfare" (4:02) 3. "Impulsation" (4:30) 4. "Turn" (:57) 5. "New Beginnings" (2:37) 6. "Break the Curse" (2:38) 7. "Illusion of Life" (4:56) 8. "Your Last Breath" (3:25) 9. "Journey of Reconciliation" (4:27) 10. "The Majestic Infiltration of Order" (1:08) BONUS TRACKS 11. "Time Crusaders" [studio version] (4:44) 12. "Eyes of Destruction" [1987 Lightforce] (5:38) 13. "EnVision A Beginning/Buried Into Obscurity" [live] (5:34) 14. "Steve Talks /Noah Was A Knower" [live] (4:08) 15. "Interview with Steve" (10:49) |
DISC TWO (DVD)
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Lightforce were an Australian heavy metal band from the 1980’s. Their sound was often compared to bands like Iron Maiden and Manowar. In 1989, Steve Rowe of Lightforce decided to take the band into a more thrash metal direction. In 1990 the band independently recorded and released "Break the Curse" on cassette tape. They soon after changed their name to Mortification and began recording their self-titled album for Intense Records. A year later the band signed with German label Nuclear Blast Records and released their popular albums "Scrolls of the Megilloth" and "Post Momentary Affliction". It was shortly after these two albums were released that Nuclear Blast released "Break the Curse 1990" on CD for the first time with the bonus track "Butchered Mutilation" from Nuclear Blast's "Death is Just the Beginning" compilation. Twenty years later and American label Roxx Productions has released "Break the Curse 1990 – 2010 (20th Anniversary Gold Edition)".
The original "Break the Curse" tracks are most definitely a change in direction from the power metal that Lightforce had been doing in the 80’s. Inspired by the German thrash bands like Kreator and Sodom, Mortification’s "Break the Curse" was on the edge of the fledgling death metal scene, combining coarse, gutteral vocals and fast and furious tempos. The production is raw, but it works well for this album. At one time, heavy metal wasn't all about stellar production. Bands like Raven and Motorhead released discs that may not have been sonically brilliant, but the music was awesome and the raw production only made the music that much better. That is exactly the case with "Break the Curse". Roxx Productions remastered the original recordings but basically left the sound alone, only raising the overall volume a bit and offering a bit more clarity.
Included on the 20th Anniversary Gold CD is the rare studio track "Time Crusaders", which had previously only been released on an obscure Australian metal compilation. I’ve always thought this song was outstanding and always wondered why it was never officially released on any Mortification release. It’s nice to finally have that track available as part of this package. As well, the 1987 Lightforce song "Eyes of Destruction" has been included as well. This song, featuring original vocalist Steve Johnson, gave an indication of the direction the band was moving in early on. The final tracks are from the 1996 live EP, "Noah Sat Down and Listened to the Mortification Live EP While Having a Coffee", which ends with a lengthy interview with Steve Rowe. The 1996 interview offers an interesting look into the history of Mortification before Steve’s life changing battle with leukemia.
The re-issue also contains a complete live DVD from the very first show Mortification performed, June 5, 1990. The DVD is worth the price of the collection alone. While the footage is a bit raw, the performance is outstanding. It’s also interesting to hear some early versions of songs, and some thrashed up versions of some old Lightforce classics. Hearing Steve bark out "Eyes of Destruction" and "City Streets" makes me wish that these songs would have been recorded with the this line-up in the studio. "Infectious Growth" is an early version of "The Destroyer Beholds", which would be recorded on the bands 1991 self-titled CD.
The 20th Anniversary Gold Edition contains an 8-page booklet with liner notes by Steve Rowe, classic photos of the band, a collage of old concert flyers and photos, and is printed in a metallic gold ink, as is the cover art. Initial pre-orders also came with a limited edition, gold, Steve Rowe signature guitar pick (pictured above). Overall, Roxx Productions’ did an outstanding job with this release that celebrates twenty years of Mortification history.
Mortification - Twenty Years In The Underground (Nuclear Blast) 2010
| DISC ONE Re-Recorded Classics (2009) 1. Nocturnal (5:49) 2. Grind Planetarium (5:07) 3. Impulsation (4:20) 4. Hammer Of God (3:40) 5. The Majestic Infiltration Of Order (1:26) (First Mortification Concert, 15th of June 1990) 6. Eyes Of Destruction (4:44) 7. Searching (5:07) 8. City Streets (4:04) (Lincoln and Keith's First Concert, Australia, 19th Of August 1995) 9. Bloodworld (4:23) 10. Scrolls Of The Megilloth (3:21) (Busking in Christchurch City Square, New Zealand, 3rd of May 1996) 11. Spoken Word Part 1 (:33) 12. New Beginnings (2:47) 13. Spoken Word Part 2 (:53) 14. Chapel Of Hope (4:13) (Live at Revolution Metal Fest, Mexico City , 20th of November 2004) 15. Spoken Word Part 3 (:19) 16. Too Much Pain (3:29) 17. Spoken Word Part 4 (1:41) 18. 12 Men (3:13) (Live at Nordic Fest, Norway, 9th of November 2007) 19. I'm Not Your Commodity (4:35) 20. Priests Of The Underground (5:12) |
DISC TWO (Live Planetarium - Live at Black Stump Festival - 1st of October 1993) 1. Grind Planetarium (5:16) 2. Distarnished Priest (7:50) 3. Brutal Warfare (4:10) 4. Destroyer Beholds (3:56) 5. Inflamed (3:32) 6. Scrolls of the Megilloth (3:29) 7. Symbiosis (6:03) 8. Time Crusader (5:55) 9. From the Valley of the Shadows (8:12) 10. Human Condition (5:45) 11. The Majestic Infiltration of Order (1:10) 12. This Momentary Affliction (:47) (Acoustic Live at The Seaside Festival, Norway (With Norwegian Introduction) and on Dutch Radio, June 2001) 13. Metal Blessing (6:50) 14. Standing At The Door Of Death (5:45) 15. Your Life (4:18) 16. Grind Planetarium (5:22) |
Mortification - Scribe Of The Pentateuch (Rowe Productions) 2012
Mortification - Scribe Of The Pentateuch (Soundmass) 2013
1. Extradiefor (3:32)
2. Scribe Of The Pentateuch (4:51)
3. The Jaws Of Life (2:25)
4. In Garland Hall (4:53)
5. Weapons Of Mass Salvation (4:44)
6. The White Death 5:32)
ROWE BONUS TRACKS (Best of the 00's)
7. Priests Of The Underground (5:04)
8. Too Much Pain (3:38)
9. Erasing The Goblin (5:20)
10. Elastisized Outrage (2:51)
SOUNDMASS BONUS TRACKS
7. Extradiefor [live] (3:41)
8. Hammer of God [live] (3:20)
9. Scribe Of The Pentateuch [live] (4:37)
10. Blood Sacrifice [live] (3:55)
11. The Destroyer Beholds [live] (3:27)
12. Scrolls of the Megilloth [live] (3:03)
13. God Rulz [live] (1:15)
14. J.G.S.H. [live] (:39)
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of "Scrolls of the Megilloth", Steve Rowe and Mortification recorded and self-released the "Scribe of the Pentateuch" EP. The EP was at least partially financed by fan support. Back in the band is guitarist Lincoln Bowen, who was with the band for a good portion of the 1990's and played on classic albums like "EnVision EvAngeline" and "Hammer of God". Lincoln had also been performing with Steve under the Wonrowe Vision banner. Drummer Andrew Esnouf from Wonrowe Vision is brought into Mortification as well.
Though the album title and cover art obviously references the band's death metal classic "Scrolls of the Megilloth", "Scribe" is not "Scrolls Part II". As has been the case with most Mortification releases over the years, the band experiments with different sounds and styles. The album opens with "Extradiefor", a song that does sound like it could have been recorded for those early death/thrash classics. The song is fast, heavy and has Steve growling like he did back in the early 90's. It is the most immediately likeable track on the CD. The title track is a mid-paced heavy metal song that sounds more like recent releases from Mortification, though Steve throws in a twist on the usual sound. For the first time Steve introduces some clean, singing vocals into the Mortification sound. While Steve has experimented with different vocals approaches in the past, including hardcore yells, death growls, black metal screeches, etc., this is a first for the clean singing. In the words of Steve, "I am never going to be Dio or Halford but I am just, as usual, mixing it up...". Jaws of Life" continues with the faster, heavier material with Steve again mixing the death growls with some clean singing and black metal vocals. This song and "Extradiefor" are my favorites of the EP. "In Garland Hall" is a mid-to-fast paced heavy metal track where Steve again mixes vocal styles, this time grunting out the verses while singing the chorus. "Weapons of Mass Salvation" starts off as a doom/death metal song with growled vocals but picks up momentum morphing back and forth from the up-tempo chorus to the slow, doomy verses. The EP ends with another track that begins as a slow, grinding doom death metal song. The vocals on "The White Death" once again switch from death growls to clean singing. As well, the tempo of the song sways back and forth from slow and grinding to fast and furious.
Included as a bonus are four songs from four more recent Mortification releases. I might have chosen a couple of different songs, such as "Razorback" in favor of "Priests of the Underground", but being that these are just bonus tracks, I can't really complain. Overall, "Scribe of the Pentateuch " is exactly what I expect from Mortification. Those looking for a complete return to pure death metal will need to look elsewhere. However, I doubt that this EP will disappoint most longtime fans of the band.
The packaging includes a six-panel insert that opens up into a poster of the band. My copy is signed by all three members of the band.
In 2013 Soundmass re-issued "Scribe of the Pentateuch" with completely new artwork. The Soundmass version also contains 8 bonus tracks recorded live at EasterFest 2013. The live tracks are raw and have a bootleg-like quality. Of course Mortification fans like myself eat this sort of stuff up, but these tracks probably won't appeal to the casual fan.
Mortification - Realm of the Skelataur (Rowe Productions) 2015
1. The Cost (7:02)
2. Feed Your Hungry Ears (4:12)
3. Extrinsick Forces (2:40)
4. Realm of the Skelataur (4:35)
5. Slaughter Demon Headz (0:55)
6. Our Anthem (5:34)
7. 40 Day Fast (0:17)
8. Total Thrashing Death (4:12)
9. Enrapture (5:04)
10. Grave Sucking (0:07)
11. Pushing Weird Buttons (7:09)
"Realm of the Skelataur" is the latest and final(?) release from the mighty Mortification. According to Steve Rowe, this album will be the bands last as he concentrates on his other project Wonrowe Vision, who released an album on the same day as this album. "Realm of the Skelataur" continues in the same direction that the band was taking on their last, more death metal influenced album "Scribe Of The Pentateuch". The album starts off with a seven minute mid-paced song that echoes the sentiments expressed int he bands classic song "Martyrs" from "HAmmer of God". Though I like this song, I felt the song was a poor choice to start off the album with. Had a song like the shorter, faster and heavier "Extrinsick Forces" opened things up, I think the album would have flowed better as a whole. However, that is a minor point. As it stands there is still much to enjoy about this album. Each song is a blend of speed metal, thrash and death metal. "Our Anthem" is built around the song titles of old Morty songs and even includes a bridge in the middle of the song built from past songs.
For the most part, Steve is sticking with the half-growled vocal style he's been using over the past decade, though he does get a bit more guttural on the short "Slaughter Demon Headz" and the Lincoln Bowen composed, up-beat "Extrinsick Forces". As might be expected, Steve Rowe's lyrics are as evangelistic and honest as they always have been. His unusual sense of humor has long been a part of the band as well, and that humor can be seen here as well on some of the shorter "songs". This album has three short songs, "40 Day Fast", "Slaughter Demon Headz" and the shortest of them all, clocking in at under ten seconds, "Grave Sucking". What we are left with are eight new Mortification songs that should please fans of their more recent material.
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