Description
Mordred – The Next Room – Compact Disc
Mordred – The Next Room is the third studio album by Mordred, a funk-thrash metal band from San Francisco. Released in 1994, this album continues the band’s signature fusion of thrash metal, funk, and alternative rock, though it leans more heavily into groove-oriented and alternative influences compared to their earlier works.
By the time The Next Room was released, the music scene had shifted significantly. The rise of alternative rock and grunge had made traditional thrash metal less dominant, and Mordred adapted by incorporating more alternative rock and funk-driven grooves into their sound. Unlike their previous albums (Fool’s Game (1989) and In This Life (1991)), which had a more pronounced thrash energy, The Next Room experiments with darker themes, slower tempos, and heavier grooves.
Moving away from pure thrash, the guitars embrace a chunkier, downtuned, and rhythmic style. DJ Pause continues to add scratching and sampling to the mix, reinforcing Mordred’s reputation as early pioneers of rap-metal fusion. Lyrics and melodies explore introspection, societal issues, and emotional struggles. Some tracks reflect the ’90s shift toward a grunge-inflected heaviness, reminiscent of bands like Faith No More and Helmet.
Track Highlights
“Lo-Cal, Hi-Fiber” – A groove-heavy track that mixes alternative metal and funk elements.
“Skid” – Features a fusion of rap-rock with thick, chugging guitars.
“Splinter Down” – Showcases their shift to a more melodic yet heavy sound.
“Crash” – One of the more energetic and thrash-rooted songs on the album.
While The Next Room didn’t gain the same recognition as In This Life, it remains a cult favorite among fans of funk-metal and alternative thrash. The album’s experimental nature and deviation from traditional thrash metal divided some listeners, but others appreciated the band’s willingness to evolve with the times.
Mordred disbanded soon after the album’s release but later reunited in the 2010s. Their unique blend of funk, thrash, and alternative elements continues to be influential in the crossover metal and funk-metal scenes.
Noise Records
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Lo-Cal. Hi-Fiber
Skid
Crash
Splinter Down
Shut
Pauper’s Wine
Acrophobia
Murray The Mover
In A Turn
The Trellis
The Next Room Over
Rubber Crutch
