Description

Asphyx – Crush The Cenotaph – Cassette

Relativity/Century Records

Crush the Cenotaph is an EP by the Dutch death metal band Asphyx, released in 1992. Asphyx is known for their heavy, doom-laden death metal sound, and this EP is a prime example of their early work that combines brutal riffing with a slower, more atmospheric approach. Asphyx was formed in 1987 in the Netherlands.

Asphyx’s music on Crush the Cenotaph features a combination of fast-paced death metal and slow, crushing doom metal sections. The EP is characterized by its dark, heavy sound and themes related to death, war, and desolation. The guitar work is heavy and aggressive, with a mix of fast, chugging riffs and slower, more melodic passages. Martin van Drunen’s distinct vocal style is characterized by deep, guttural growls that add to the menacing atmosphere of the music. The EP features both fast, intense sections typical of death metal and slower, doom-laden passages that create a sense of foreboding.

Track Listing and Notable Songs

‘Crush the Cenotaph’: The title track is a standout with its relentless aggression and powerful riffs. It exemplifies the band’s ability to blend speed with crushing heaviness.
‘Rites of Shades’: This track offers a mix of fast-paced death metal with slower, more atmospheric sections, showcasing the band’s dynamic range.
‘The Krusher’: Known for its heavy, doom-influenced sound, this song highlights the band’s ability to create a dark, oppressive atmosphere.
‘Evocation’: A shorter, instrumental track that adds to the EP’s eerie and ominous feel.
‘Wasteland of Terror’: Another powerful track with intense riffing and aggressive vocals, fitting well within the death metal genre.

Crush the Cenotaph is appreciated in the death metal community for its raw power and the band’s uncompromising approach to the genre. The EP has been well-received for its solid songwriting and the seamless integration of death and doom metal elements.

Asphyx is regarded as one of the pioneering bands in the death/doom metal subgenre. Crush the Cenotaph is an important release in their discography, showcasing their early sound and their influence on the development of extreme metal.

Crush the Cenotaph by Asphyx is a significant EP in the death metal genre, featuring a blend of brutal riffing and atmospheric doom elements. The EP highlights the band’s ability to create a powerful, menacing sound that has earned them a lasting place in the metal community. For fans of death and doom metal, Crush the Cenotaph is a must-listen, offering a glimpse into the raw intensity and dark themes that define Asphyx’s music.