Description

Autopsy – Mental Funeral – Compact Disc

Mental Funeral is the second studio album by the American death metal band Autopsy, released on April 22, 1991. This album is highly regarded in the death metal community for its brutal sound, intricate songwriting, and the seamless blend of death metal with doom influences. Mental Funeral solidified Autopsy’s place as one of the pioneers of the death metal genre, known for their morbid themes and dark, heavy musical style.

The album features the hallmarks of death metal, including growling vocals, complex and heavy guitar riffs, and aggressive drumming. Significant portions of the album incorporate doom metal elements, with slower, heavy passages that add to the album’s dark and oppressive atmosphere. Mental Funeral is known for pushing the boundaries of death metal with its inventive song structures and seamless incorporation of varied tempos and moods.

Track Highlights:

‘Twisted Mass of Burnt Decay’: The opening track sets the tone with its relentless speed, heavy riffs, and guttural vocals, capturing the intensity of the album.
‘In the Grip of Winter’: A standout track that blends slow, doom-laden sections with faster, brutal death metal passages, showcasing the band’s dynamic range.
‘Robbing the Grave’: Features complex guitar work and shifting tempos, with dark, morbid lyrics.
‘Hole in the Head’: Combines aggressive drumming and fast-paced riffs with slower, more atmospheric interludes.
‘Slaughterday’: Known for its haunting melodies and crushing heaviness, this track epitomizes the blend of death and doom that defines the album.
‘Dead’: A short, intense track that captures the raw brutality and dark themes central to the album.

The lyrics are heavily focused on themes of gore, horror, and death, consistent with the band’s macabre style. Themes of decay, madness, and existential dread permeate the album, creating a bleak and sinister atmosphere. Many of the songs feature narrative elements, detailing gruesome tales and horrific scenarios.

The production is designed to be heavy and brutal, capturing the dense, crushing sound of the band. The album features a mix of fast, aggressive sections and slow, doom-laden passages, creating dynamic and varied soundscapes. Chris Reifert’s vocal delivery is intense and guttural, adding to the dark and menacing tone of the album.

Mental Funeral received positive reviews from critics and fans, praised for its innovative approach and the seamless integration of death and doom metal. The album has had a significant influence on the death metal genre, inspiring countless bands with its unique sound and dark, atmospheric approach. Mental Funeral has developed a cult following among death metal enthusiasts, appreciated for its authenticity and pioneering spirit.

Mental Funeral by Autopsy is a landmark album in the death metal genre, showcasing the band’s ability to blend raw brutality with dark, atmospheric elements. The album’s innovative sound, intricate songwriting, and morbid themes highlight Autopsy’s unique position within the extreme metal landscape.

Mental Funeral is an essential album for fans of death metal and those interested in the evolution of the genre. The album’s heavy production, dynamic arrangements, and dark themes offer a compelling and immersive listening experience. For those exploring the roots of death metal and the contributions of pioneering bands, Mental Funeral provides a rich and rewarding auditory journey that captures the essence of Autopsy’s distinctive style and enduring influence.

Track Listing
1. Twisted Mass Of Burnt Decay
2. In The Grip Of Winter
3. FleshCrawl
4. Torn From The Womb
5. Slaughterday
6. Dead
7. Robbing The Grave
8. Hole In The Head
9. Destined To Fester
10. Bonesaw
11. Dark Crusade
12. Mental Funeral

Bonus Tracks:
13. Retribution For The Dead (From ‘Retribution For The Dead’ EP)
14. Ridden With Disease (Demo)(From ‘Critical Madness’ Demo)
15. Service For A Vacant Coffin (Live San Pedro, CA. 1991)