Description
Brutal Truth – Need To Control – Cassette
Earache Records
Need to Control is the second studio album by American grindcore band Brutal Truth, released on October 25, 1994. Following their highly influential debut, ‘Extreme Conditions Demand Extreme Responses,’ this album further solidified Brutal Truth’s reputation in the grindcore and extreme metal scenes with its relentless aggression and innovative approach to the genre.
Brutal Truth formed in New York City in 1990, founded by bassist Dan Lilker, who had previously been involved with influential bands such as Anthrax, Nuclear Assault, and S.O.D. The band’s lineup for this album included Kevin Sharp (vocals), Brent McCarty (guitar), Dan Lilker (bass), and Rich Hoak (drums).
Notable Tracks
‘Collapse’
The opening track sets the tone for the album with its intense speed and brutal riffs, highlighting the band’s technical prowess and relentless energy.
‘Black Door Mine’
A track that combines grindcore ferocity with a sludgy, doom-laden riff, showcasing the band’s ability to blend different styles within extreme metal.
‘Turn Face’
Featuring a mixture of rapid-fire drumming and abrasive guitar work, this song is a quintessential example of Brutal Truth’s grindcore sound.
‘Godplayer’
Known for its heavy, groove-oriented riff and dark, introspective lyrics, this track stands out for its slower tempo and atmospheric elements.
‘Ironlung’
An experimental track that incorporates industrial noise and unconventional soundscapes, reflecting the band’s willingness to push the boundaries of grindcore.
Need to Control is characterized by its relentless aggression, technical complexity, and willingness to experiment with different sounds and structures. The album incorporates elements of grindcore, death metal, and industrial music, creating a diverse and dynamic listening experience. Lyrically, the songs often address themes of societal decay, personal struggle, and existential angst, delivered with Kevin Sharp’s intense vocal style.
Reception and Legacy
The album received positive reviews from critics and fans for its innovation and brutality. It is often cited as one of the defining albums of the grindcore genre, praised for its technical proficiency and the band’s ability to infuse their music with a sense of urgency and raw emotion. ‘Need to Control’ helped to cement Brutal Truth’s status as one of the leading bands in the extreme metal scene.
Need to Control is significant for its role in pushing the boundaries of grindcore and extreme metal. The album’s blend of aggressive grindcore with experimental elements and complex arrangements influenced many bands within the genre and beyond. It remains a landmark release in Brutal Truth’s discography and in the wider context of extreme music.
Need to Control by Brutal Truth is a seminal grindcore album released on October 25, 1994. Featuring standout tracks like ‘Collapse,’ ‘Black Door Mine,’ and ‘Godplayer,’ the album is known for its intense aggression, technical complexity, and willingness to experiment with different sounds. Praised for its innovation and impact, ‘Need to Control’ solidified Brutal Truth’s reputation in the extreme metal scene and continues to be celebrated as a defining work in the genre.
