Relapse Records Turns 25: Their 10 Most Groundbreaking Releases
A Return To The Roots Of Relapse Records
8. Nile -Amongst the Catacombs of Nephren-Ka (1998)
Source // f1.bcbits.com
Death Metal was drowning in sh*t creek when Relapse released Nile’s astonishing debut and a struggling scene instantly found itself revitalised and reinvigorated.
Here was a band that took the core of Death Metal, the blast-beats, the growls, the requisite speed and ferocity and not only reproduced it better than everyone else but also introduced influences rarely heard in the genre .
With short, carefully structured songs incorporating all manner of Egyptian themes and instruments, Nile instantly had a sound of their own. Deftly balancing guttural growls with flutes, percussion, effective chanting and an epic atmosphere that bordered on the biblical, the blasting and the Egyptian symbolism were juxtaposed perfectly.
While Nile would arguably go on to record better albums, Amongst the Catacombs of Nephren-Ka was the pivotal release to widen Death Metal’s self-imposed confines.
Hi Chris,
Interesting list, to say the least. “Through Silver in Blood” as #1 is spot-on. That album is one the heaviest albums of all time. And it was so, so groundbreaking. And still is. Neurosis absolutely rules. I can’t say I agree with all your picks (High on Fire?), but your passion is obvious, so I’ll drink to that. But man, where is “Using Sickness as a Hero” by Human Remains? That’s a forgotten classic for sure. Thanks for the great read.
Stéphane Pageau
Hey man, thanks for reading and commenting. “Using Sickness As A Hero” is a unique album I’ll say that much, look for it in a future article!
I like this list. It is a good list. Thank you.
….and thank you for reading \m/
Thanks, man.