Live Blasphemies
Dismember
(Escapi)

This lot do old school death metal like not many others. They don't go in for keyboards, melody or subtelty. The 11 track live CD shows them churning through a gig in Stockholm. The second DVD tracks their rise from obscurity in Sweden, through a trail for blasphemy in the UK (on the basis of the song 'Skin her Alive') to the "heights" of their current popularity. You get to hear from the band about the lessons they learned about what you can get away with and how much you can provoke before there is a backlash. What is most interesting is the fact the band is very mellow and introspective in the interview. Unlike an interview with say, Phil Anselmo, there is no swearing, postering or ranting. Interspersed between bits of the interview are examples of the bands live evolotion. The DVD is done in Swedish however the subtitles are accurate and timely. While not the slickest DVD, this set is a true reflection of the underground death metal scene. Oh yes and not a bit of corpsepaint is seen anywhere. Oh yes, and fans of uber-speed drumming will be amazed at the prowess of Fred Estby.

Rating: 4/5