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MORBYDA "Under The Spell"
MORBYDA "Under The Spell"
By Dr. Abner Mality
Germany's Dying Victims label has done a pretty outstanding job of finding a variety of old school heavy metal/hard rock acts that appeal to the connoisseur. I have to say I am slightly let down by Leipzig's MORBYDA, a band described as being speed metal of the early 80's kind. That should put it right in my wheelhouse, even though there has been a sudden surge of bands trying to tap into that old vein.
"Under The Spell" can't be described as a bad album in any fashion, but to me, something seems to be slightly "off" about it. Maybe it's the whiny lead vocals of Chris that rub me the long way. True, speed metal has a history of "yelping" frontmen, but Chris just sounds extra nasal to me, coming across like one of those ankle-biter dogs that yips endlessly. Musically, there's a good deal of EXCITER and AGENT STEEL type riffing mixing with German classics like DESTRUCTION and IRON ANGEL. So far, so good! And indeed, tracks like "Evil" and "Morbid Ways of Dying" hit the sweet spot. But I dunno, cuts like "Mother of Decay" and the bland "Sacrifice" are kind of flat. The production is extra dry, like many old speed metal albums were, and lacks any kind of bottom end whatsoever. If the bass is there, it's almost indistinguishable.
It's entirely possible that someone else into this style of music would find MORBYDA to be aces. I prefer the more crazed approach of labelmates SEXMAG myself. Maybe the best thing would be to check out a track or two on Youtube and make your own assessment.
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