Here are a few random reviews.

Return of the Living Dead “Soundtrack” CD (Restless Records) Nothing new here, but I felt that I needed to review this because I finally got a copy of this on CD format. I can honestly say this movie and sound track definitely changed my life. When I walked out of the theater in August of 1985 I saw the world in a different view. I was 11 years old and only knew of punk rock music but I did not own any records. This movie along with Class of 1984 is what really got the ball rolling for me. I am sure it did the same for thousands of people. My personal favorite tracks are by TSOL, 45 Grave, The Damned and The Flesh Eaters. This soundtrack reminds me of how fun being young was. It was all so new to me. A leather jacket with chains is forever cool in my book.

Hudud “Exist to Breathe 03-05” (Go Kill Yourself, Time Up, Prohibited Projects) This is a 3 way co-release of labels. This Singapore band plays some brutal grindcore in the vein of Agathocles and Rot. This release is one of those action packed multimedia CDs with tracks from demos, compilations and unreleased. It also has some great video footage. The video is 9 tracks of homemade footage. It is great! It has the band playing live in some small space with people crowded up close to the band. It gives an almost chaotic, claustrophobic feeling. The music is a two way vocal attack with grind mixed with metalcore elements. Just like ENT, the vocals range from high shrieks to gutter growls. The music is nothing groundbreaking, but who cares. They play intense heavy music with passion. I listen to my copy on a regular basis. There are no lyrics in the booklet, so I cannot comment on them.

Boltstein/Insect Warfare split 7” EP (Rescued From Life) Here we have a great split between Japan (B) and Texas (IW). The great sleeve artwork sports a Shogun/Samurai look. It is obvious that Boltstein pay homage to legends Bolt thrower, especially to their pre “Realm of Chaos” days. Even their logo is Bolt Thrower. Their tracks are a no nonsense grind approach, but do have an occasional death metal feel. Insect Warfare have stuck to the formula that they are known for…pure blistering Terrorizer influenced grind. What I like about this band their songs are structured like the classic bands. Riffs go from blasts to almost rock & roll head bangers.

Hypo Christians “S/T” 7” (NWS Records) When I heard that H.C. had members from the old band Slattereah, I had to get this. In true early 90s tradition the cover is a black & white drawing of a skull and an upside down cross. It sounded just as I expected: some rough, dirty, old death/grind. It almost sounds like a mix of Phlegm and early Xysma. The production is a little rough, but I like it that way. For some reason I have always had a soft spot for this sound. I would definitely recommend this if you are into early 90s grindcore. I sure hope this band releases a full length. As Splattereah, they only released a demo and a long out of print live 7”.

Terrorizer “S/T” 7” (Satanic Records/Japan) This is not a new release, but I am going to review it because I CAN. I bought this in 1992 and thought it was the best stuff I had ever heard. It was released in 1991 on green vinyl. Only 333 were pressed. Basically this is a demo rehearsal from 1987. It is rough as hell, but still sounds great. This is the line-up with Garvy on bass (before Dave Vincent took over for World Downfall). On the back of the record sleeve there is a brief history on the band and also a confession that this is a bootleg.

Cianide/Machetazo split 7” (Hells Headbangers) First off I must say that I have been following Cianide’s musical career every since I received their cassette demo in the mail around 91. Then when they released their debut “The Dying Truth” I was completely blown away. Throughout all their releases they have always had the ability to write some the catchiest riffs I have heard from a death band. This release is no different. They provide once track called “Black Earth”. It definitely keeps the tradition of an ultra heavy version of Celtic Frost. When hearing this song I imagine a denim/leather clad, long haired sasquatch dancing around wildly.

As for Machetazo, I like everything they have released…especially the stuff on Razorback.  Here these Spanish gore grinders crap out two classic tracks that were recorded in 2004. Their side begins with an intro taken from a Spanish horror movie, then explodes into a grinding blast beat then alternating in a galloping riff. For those of you who are familiar with this band, there are no surprises. If you are new to their material, expect classic horror/gore grind.