Autopsy’s Mental Funeral turns 20 today, according to Metal Archives. It still bests the hordes of bands and albums it inspired. (Boy, did I hear a lot of them with the retro death metal trend of recent years.) The prevailing line is that it is an epitome of barbarity and atmosphere. It is a rallying cry for the denim-and-leather-and-no-triggers set.
The prevailing line is accurate but incomplete. Mental Funeral isn’t a classic just because it pounds and growls and does the things old-school death metal should do. It’s also a classic because it’s surprisingly musical. Of course, it plows the low end, but it stuffs the higher registers with sinister tritones, twisted harmonies, and fluid leads. These form the vaunted Autopsy atmosphere. Many bands copy Autopsy’s brawn but forget the brains.
Yet Autopsy didn’t let these brains get to their head, so to speak. Mental Funeral is a great example of humans getting out of the way of their art, so that it can shine without ego. The record boasts great individual performances, especially by Chris Reifert on drums and vocals. But it’s not about individual performances. It’s about channeling a force, a feeling, an energy. The songwriting feels fluid and effortless (though likely much effort went into it). This record was meant to be. It doesn’t try, it does.
So here’s to one of the most perfect metal records ever. If the new Autopsy album is even half as good, it’ll reclaim quite a few crowns.
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HEAR MENTAL FUNERAL
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i was actually a bit disappointed when this first came out. i still think the versions of destined to fester & in the grip of winter from the retribution for the dead ep (which remains my favorite autopsy release along with severed survival) are better than the versions on this record. the production seems a little… flat in comparison but it really is an awesome album nevertheless. nice writeup too!
Two thumbs WAY up for this album!
I remember that this album didn’t do it for me when it came out. Being in my teenage death metal years at the time I was more into the straightforward brutality of Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel. 20 years later I carry a copy of this album with me wherever I go.The atmosphere on this one is simply incredible. Love the album artwork too. Very Lovecraftian. I always wonder if the creature on the album cover is meant to be a Shoggoth.
One of the best death metal albums ever made by one of the best death metal bands to ever exist. ‘Nuff said.
I do not like the recent “X album is Y years old” posts.
THE death metal album. Period.
This is the album most Swedish bands ripped-off (respectfully) for the last 20 years.
My favorite death metal record. This is the album that truly brought the “death” in death metal for me. I felt true fear when I saw Autopsy at Maryland Death Fest last year. Not from being able to finally them, but by the raw as fuck intensity that translated into the most wild and dangerous pit I’ve ever seen at MDF. Whenever I think of other death metal bands and their approach, I think of a barbarian with ornate weapons hitting you hard on the head. Autopsy’s attack is like a drugged up guy beating you up with a two by four in a subway tunnel, and then his pus infected fists hit you in the face, while hepatitis tainted blood seeps from his wounds to your mouth and nose, while you’re covered in garbage and piss stained mud. FILTHY, FILTHY, FILTHY.
“This is the album most Swedish bands ripped-off (respectfully) for the last 20 years.”
And improved vastly and repeatedly.
Love this post!
I happen to like the “X album is Y years old” posts… it ensures this blog not only covers new music but that it reminds us where said new music came from. For the younger generation of listeners / readers, these posts can be invaluable. Thanks, Cosmo. You know what they say about history… those who don’t study it are bound to repeat it. Well, in this case, those who study it might get lucky enough to repeat it.
>t’s about channeling a force, a feeling, an energy.
Yes! Also: I’m old.
I the most impressive elements of this record are the doom-inspired parts, something I don’t think many death metal bands in that era represented nearly as well. Chris was really into Trouble and Pentagram at the time, as he mentions in an interview I did with him- http://www.superheavysounds.com/2010/11/download.html
The first time I heard Mental Funeral was on cassette. Yes, I’m oooold.
perfect album. i got it when it came out and was weirded out by it – the drums sounded like detuned cardboard boxes, it sounded “creepy” instead of “brutal” (i was listening to morbid angel, death, carcass, entombed etc. at the time which in some way was slightly more digestible), they looked like glue-sniffing rapists who worked at gas stations in the photo, etc. etc.
however – with each progressing year i slowly realized that autopsy are basically one of the best, if not THE best, and unique underground death metal bands of all time. there isn’t a millisecond on this album that unnecessary. furthermore, the songwriting is PERFECT! aggggghh fuck, so disgusting and filthy and perverted and horrible…. amazing.