Cannibal Corpse: Bloodthirst (CD)

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Released in 1999, Bloodthirst captures Cannibal Corpse in absolutely vicious form. Coming after Gallery of Suicide, the album tightened the band’s attack considerably, delivering a record that is brutal, technically impressive and surprisingly memorable. It remains one of the strongest releases from the George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher era.

The opening “Pounded into Dust” immediately establishes the album’s intent. Alex Webster’s bass work cuts through the chaos while guitarists Jack Owen and Pat O’Brien unleash an endless supply of twisted riffs. Paul Mazurkiewicz holds everything together behind the kit, and Corpsegrinder delivers his vocals with the power and clarity that helped redefine Cannibal Corpse following his arrival in 1995.

Then there’s “Unleashing the Bloodthirsty,” one of the record’s defining tracks and a song that remained part of the band’s live arsenal for years. “Dead Human Collection” is equally memorable, combining a monstrous central riff with the kind of rhythmic changes that demonstrate just how technically accomplished Cannibal Corpse had become.

The deeper cuts are just as savage. “Ecstasy in Decay,” “Raped by the Beast,” “Coffinfeeder” and “Hacksaw Decapitation” maintain the relentless pace, while “Blowtorch Slaughter” and closing track “Sickening Metamorphosis” ensure there’s virtually no respite across the album.

Produced by Colin Richardson, Bloodthirst has a powerful, clear production that allows the musicianship to come through without sacrificing the filthy aggression expected from Cannibal Corpse. Webster’s bass is particularly impressive throughout, often functioning almost like another lead instrument beneath the guitars.

More than 25 years after its release, Bloodthirst remains a standout in a remarkably consistent catalogue. It captures Cannibal Corpse at the end of the 1990s sounding precise, confident and completely uncompromising. Essential American death metal.