Review by ChadL on April 10, 2002.

Sweden's Deranged are an unstoppable killing machine. Throughout their 11 track self titled release, these guys bludgeon the listener into submission with an unrelenting death/gore attack. Only the comical sample festering in track 6, 'La Orgia De Los Muertos', gave me a moment to scoop my entrails up off my bedroom floor.

While most bands out of Sweden are known for integrating Maiden-esque melody over a classic deathmetal foundation, Deranged is the most brutal thing I’ve heard out of Sweden. They drop the melody in favor of abrasive, dirty guitars, guteral vocals and a nuclear onslaught of a rhythm section. Their approach is one which has the old school death metal vibe mixed with the more punishing characteristics of today’s most brutal bands. The result is a noxious 35 minutes of gore drenched death metal. Numerous times during the album I was reminded of labelmates Aborted, but a more off the wall and less variation in the vocals than the aforementioned band.

Each track on here has a life of it's own. They throw in enough surprises to keep the brutal music from having a mindnumbing effect. Stand out tracks for me would have to be the violent and sick as fuck opener 'Flesh Rebel', and the more methodical 'Impulse, Prey, Pleasure'. The guitars are competently molested by Johan Axelsson, and the rhythm section of Johan Anderberg (Bass and Vocals) and Rikard Wermen (Drums) is tight and unforgiving in its onslaught. I really like the drums on this album, as they are pretty much fast all the way through, but not blasting the whole time. Also, the drum production on this album is amazing and it gives blasts whole lot of power and a unique sound. There really are no bad tracks on this album, each one is a sick and twisted journey of sick and twisted brutality.

Bottom Line: This is definitely a worthy purchase if your a fan of brutal death metal with a little gore grind influence on it. If you like Aborted and Severe Torture and other brutal bands you will certainly be pleased to sink your sick little teeth into this splatter-fest.

Production: 9
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 10
Originality: 7
Overall: 8

Rating: 8.4 out of 10

Review by ChadL on April 10, 2002.

Sweden's Deranged are an unstoppable killing machine. Throughout their 11 track self titled release, these guys bludgeon the listener into submission with an unrelenting death/gore attack. Only the comical sample festering in track 6, 'La Orgia De Los Muertos', gave me a moment to scoop my entrails up off my bedroom floor.

While most bands out of Sweden are known for integrating Maiden-esque melody over a classic deathmetal foundation, Deranged is the most brutal thing I’ve heard out of Sweden. They drop the melody in favor of abrasive, dirty guitars, guteral vocals and a nuclear onslaught of a rhythm section. Their approach is one which has the old school death metal vibe mixed with the more punishing characteristics of today’s most brutal bands. The result is a noxious 35 minutes of gore drenched death metal. Numerous times during the album I was reminded of labelmates Aborted, but a more off the wall and less variation in the vocals than the aforementioned band.

Each track on here has a life of it's own. They throw in enough surprises to keep the brutal music from having a mindnumbing effect. Stand out tracks for me would have to be the violent and sick as fuck opener 'Flesh Rebel', and the more methodical 'Impulse, Prey, Pleasure'. The guitars are competently molested by Johan Axelsson, and the rhythm section of Johan Anderberg (Bass and Vocals) and Rikard Wermen (Drums) is tight and unforgiving in its onslaught. I really like the drums on this album, as they are pretty much fast all the way through, but not blasting the whole time. Also, the drum production on this album is amazing and it gives blasts whole lot of power and a unique sound. There really are no bad tracks on this album, each one is a sick and twisted journey of sick and twisted brutality.

Bottom Line: This is definitely a worthy purchase if your a fan of brutal death metal with a little gore grind influence on it. If you like Aborted and Severe Torture and other brutal bands you will certainly be pleased to sink your sick little teeth into this splatter-fest.

Production: 9
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 10
Originality: 7
Overall: 8

Rating: 8.4 out of 10

Review by Bryan on February 13, 2005.

Anthrax has had a hell of a run over the years. They’ve swapped three vocalists and survived those bizarre years during the mid-to-late 1990’s, when American metal took a serious dive underground, Metallica hacked off their hair, invested in some makeup and decided to record an interesting little album titled, Load.

2004 is thankfully a different world and metal bands are popping up from coast-to-coast. Anthrax and other acts like Iron Maiden, Megadeth and Judas Priest are enjoying a revival in the States.

The Greater of Two Evils gave the “power to the people” and let them vote via Anthrax’s official website on which Neil Turbin/Joey Belladonna songs they wanted to hear recorded with the current lineup. It’s scary to think John Bush has been in the band for over a decade already.

Recorded “live” in the studio over the course of two days, this disc revisits songs from Fistful of Metal, Spreading the Disease, Among the Living, State of Euphoria and Persistence of Time. While he can’t reach those Turbin/Belladonna screams, Bush’s voice is polished, showing no signs of wear and tear. Frank Bello’s bass twangs through time in this classic thrash attack and Charlie Benante’s limbs haven’t slowed up in 20 years.

It’s not fair to view this as nostalgia, but rather a revisiting and celebration of where Anthrax has come from. These classics have all the foot-stomping, metal grit the originals did; some even more so. “Deathrider,” gets a modern-day tune-up, while other tracks like “Caught in a Mosh,” “N.F.L.” and “Indians” will squeeze the adrenaline from your glands like the originals did the first time you heard them. The only track that came up short was “Belly of the Beast,” where the band seems out of tune and style.

Instead of getting caught bootlegging Anthrax’s next show, or getting a crowdsurfing, kick in the head while yelling along to “Among the Living,” you can listen to these classics in the safety of your home.

Categorical Rating Breakdown
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 6
Originality: 9
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Review by Anna on July 11, 2010.

I have not read any reviews of this album but I have a feeling this would have caused a few severely split opinions. I find this "split opinion" even within myself. I try to be as unbiased as possible in reviews and life as much as I can help it, but this is the type of "situation" where you catch yourself being human.

I will lay down the "absolutes" of this album first: It's dark, "eerie", there are keyboards, cello, "female vocals", and they seem to classify themselves as "Death Doom" and "Funeral Doom".

The first time I listened to this I was not actually writing the review, like I usually do. In retrospect, I realize that my first opinion was largely a reaction... to the ideas and information that was already "in place". I felt, and still feel, that the music is bland, the composition undeveloped and UNenticing, and that all the clean vocals are insufficient in quality for what the music "calls for". But why my negative reaction completely stomped out any room for a positive viewpoint at first was because of this: The genre classification, which I wholeheartedly disagree with, lead me to "see" the music AS, and compare it TO, said genre and its "doings". As such I did not see the music for what it was, which to me is nothing short of (or "nothing more than" if you prefer) "Gothic Metal" with funereal elements. If they were going for Funeral Doom they have failed miserably. The key to this was PERSPECTIVE, and perspective can and often does make all the difference.

The second time around my head was not so wrapped up in the information provided, and I was able to find a few nice things within the music. I always did think the "piano" parts were beautiful, even if the main melodies are too EASY to comprehend, but this time I was able to sense a few decent ones as well that HAVE potential. I was even able to "feel" the music for a few moments the second time around. Despite these few "positives" and the fancy "frills" of the album, as I implied earlier, there is no TENSION in the music. What I'm about to say is X-rated so please skip the rest of this paragraph if you are not comfortable. It feels like a LOUSY HANDJOB that does not need to BE one. There is no variation nor sensitivity of touch in the "stroking", AKA composition, and the "emotion" is not convincing. Even a bad handjob feels better than no handjob, but come on guys, it's time to bust out the passion and baby oil and MAKE US WHIMPER. I BEG YOU.

As so many are jumping on this Death/Doom/Dark bandwagon with little success, I naturally have my suspicions on intent. Time will tell, and those who know will know. But I just couldn't help but to draw two parallels that have me raising an eyebrow. The title of this album as well as the choice of cover song, somehow are a little too reminiscent of two 2005 releases, also from this very country and "genre".

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 5.9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8
Originality: 5
Overall: 5.9

Rating: 6.8 out of 10

Review by Bryan on February 13, 2005.

Anthrax has had a hell of a run over the years. They’ve swapped three vocalists and survived those bizarre years during the mid-to-late 1990’s, when American metal took a serious dive underground, Metallica hacked off their hair, invested in some makeup and decided to record an interesting little album titled, Load.

2004 is thankfully a different world and metal bands are popping up from coast-to-coast. Anthrax and other acts like Iron Maiden, Megadeth and Judas Priest are enjoying a revival in the States.

The Greater of Two Evils gave the “power to the people” and let them vote via Anthrax’s official website on which Neil Turbin/Joey Belladonna songs they wanted to hear recorded with the current lineup. It’s scary to think John Bush has been in the band for over a decade already.

Recorded “live” in the studio over the course of two days, this disc revisits songs from Fistful of Metal, Spreading the Disease, Among the Living, State of Euphoria and Persistence of Time. While he can’t reach those Turbin/Belladonna screams, Bush’s voice is polished, showing no signs of wear and tear. Frank Bello’s bass twangs through time in this classic thrash attack and Charlie Benante’s limbs haven’t slowed up in 20 years.

It’s not fair to view this as nostalgia, but rather a revisiting and celebration of where Anthrax has come from. These classics have all the foot-stomping, metal grit the originals did; some even more so. “Deathrider,” gets a modern-day tune-up, while other tracks like “Caught in a Mosh,” “N.F.L.” and “Indians” will squeeze the adrenaline from your glands like the originals did the first time you heard them. The only track that came up short was “Belly of the Beast,” where the band seems out of tune and style.

Instead of getting caught bootlegging Anthrax’s next show, or getting a crowdsurfing, kick in the head while yelling along to “Among the Living,” you can listen to these classics in the safety of your home.

Categorical Rating Breakdown
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 6
Originality: 9
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Review by Anna on July 11, 2010.

I have not read any reviews of this album but I have a feeling this would have caused a few severely split opinions. I find this "split opinion" even within myself. I try to be as unbiased as possible in reviews and life as much as I can help it, but this is the type of "situation" where you catch yourself being human.

I will lay down the "absolutes" of this album first: It's dark, "eerie", there are keyboards, cello, "female vocals", and they seem to classify themselves as "Death Doom" and "Funeral Doom".

The first time I listened to this I was not actually writing the review, like I usually do. In retrospect, I realize that my first opinion was largely a reaction... to the ideas and information that was already "in place". I felt, and still feel, that the music is bland, the composition undeveloped and UNenticing, and that all the clean vocals are insufficient in quality for what the music "calls for". But why my negative reaction completely stomped out any room for a positive viewpoint at first was because of this: The genre classification, which I wholeheartedly disagree with, lead me to "see" the music AS, and compare it TO, said genre and its "doings". As such I did not see the music for what it was, which to me is nothing short of (or "nothing more than" if you prefer) "Gothic Metal" with funereal elements. If they were going for Funeral Doom they have failed miserably. The key to this was PERSPECTIVE, and perspective can and often does make all the difference.

The second time around my head was not so wrapped up in the information provided, and I was able to find a few nice things within the music. I always did think the "piano" parts were beautiful, even if the main melodies are too EASY to comprehend, but this time I was able to sense a few decent ones as well that HAVE potential. I was even able to "feel" the music for a few moments the second time around. Despite these few "positives" and the fancy "frills" of the album, as I implied earlier, there is no TENSION in the music. What I'm about to say is X-rated so please skip the rest of this paragraph if you are not comfortable. It feels like a LOUSY HANDJOB that does not need to BE one. There is no variation nor sensitivity of touch in the "stroking", AKA composition, and the "emotion" is not convincing. Even a bad handjob feels better than no handjob, but come on guys, it's time to bust out the passion and baby oil and MAKE US WHIMPER. I BEG YOU.

As so many are jumping on this Death/Doom/Dark bandwagon with little success, I naturally have my suspicions on intent. Time will tell, and those who know will know. But I just couldn't help but to draw two parallels that have me raising an eyebrow. The title of this album as well as the choice of cover song, somehow are a little too reminiscent of two 2005 releases, also from this very country and "genre".

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 5.9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8
Originality: 5
Overall: 5.9

Rating: 6.8 out of 10

Review by Bryan on February 13, 2005.

Anthrax has had a hell of a run over the years. They’ve swapped three vocalists and survived those bizarre years during the mid-to-late 1990’s, when American metal took a serious dive underground, Metallica hacked off their hair, invested in some makeup and decided to record an interesting little album titled, Load.

2004 is thankfully a different world and metal bands are popping up from coast-to-coast. Anthrax and other acts like Iron Maiden, Megadeth and Judas Priest are enjoying a revival in the States.

The Greater of Two Evils gave the “power to the people” and let them vote via Anthrax’s official website on which Neil Turbin/Joey Belladonna songs they wanted to hear recorded with the current lineup. It’s scary to think John Bush has been in the band for over a decade already.

Recorded “live” in the studio over the course of two days, this disc revisits songs from Fistful of Metal, Spreading the Disease, Among the Living, State of Euphoria and Persistence of Time. While he can’t reach those Turbin/Belladonna screams, Bush’s voice is polished, showing no signs of wear and tear. Frank Bello’s bass twangs through time in this classic thrash attack and Charlie Benante’s limbs haven’t slowed up in 20 years.

It’s not fair to view this as nostalgia, but rather a revisiting and celebration of where Anthrax has come from. These classics have all the foot-stomping, metal grit the originals did; some even more so. “Deathrider,” gets a modern-day tune-up, while other tracks like “Caught in a Mosh,” “N.F.L.” and “Indians” will squeeze the adrenaline from your glands like the originals did the first time you heard them. The only track that came up short was “Belly of the Beast,” where the band seems out of tune and style.

Instead of getting caught bootlegging Anthrax’s next show, or getting a crowdsurfing, kick in the head while yelling along to “Among the Living,” you can listen to these classics in the safety of your home.

Categorical Rating Breakdown
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 6
Originality: 9
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Review by Bryan on February 13, 2005.

Anthrax has had a hell of a run over the years. They’ve swapped three vocalists and survived those bizarre years during the mid-to-late 1990’s, when American metal took a serious dive underground, Metallica hacked off their hair, invested in some makeup and decided to record an interesting little album titled, Load.

2004 is thankfully a different world and metal bands are popping up from coast-to-coast. Anthrax and other acts like Iron Maiden, Megadeth and Judas Priest are enjoying a revival in the States.

The Greater of Two Evils gave the “power to the people” and let them vote via Anthrax’s official website on which Neil Turbin/Joey Belladonna songs they wanted to hear recorded with the current lineup. It’s scary to think John Bush has been in the band for over a decade already.

Recorded “live” in the studio over the course of two days, this disc revisits songs from Fistful of Metal, Spreading the Disease, Among the Living, State of Euphoria and Persistence of Time. While he can’t reach those Turbin/Belladonna screams, Bush’s voice is polished, showing no signs of wear and tear. Frank Bello’s bass twangs through time in this classic thrash attack and Charlie Benante’s limbs haven’t slowed up in 20 years.

It’s not fair to view this as nostalgia, but rather a revisiting and celebration of where Anthrax has come from. These classics have all the foot-stomping, metal grit the originals did; some even more so. “Deathrider,” gets a modern-day tune-up, while other tracks like “Caught in a Mosh,” “N.F.L.” and “Indians” will squeeze the adrenaline from your glands like the originals did the first time you heard them. The only track that came up short was “Belly of the Beast,” where the band seems out of tune and style.

Instead of getting caught bootlegging Anthrax’s next show, or getting a crowdsurfing, kick in the head while yelling along to “Among the Living,” you can listen to these classics in the safety of your home.

Categorical Rating Breakdown
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 6
Originality: 9
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Review by Bryan on February 13, 2005.

Anthrax has had a hell of a run over the years. They’ve swapped three vocalists and survived those bizarre years during the mid-to-late 1990’s, when American metal took a serious dive underground, Metallica hacked off their hair, invested in some makeup and decided to record an interesting little album titled, Load.

2004 is thankfully a different world and metal bands are popping up from coast-to-coast. Anthrax and other acts like Iron Maiden, Megadeth and Judas Priest are enjoying a revival in the States.

The Greater of Two Evils gave the “power to the people” and let them vote via Anthrax’s official website on which Neil Turbin/Joey Belladonna songs they wanted to hear recorded with the current lineup. It’s scary to think John Bush has been in the band for over a decade already.

Recorded “live” in the studio over the course of two days, this disc revisits songs from Fistful of Metal, Spreading the Disease, Among the Living, State of Euphoria and Persistence of Time. While he can’t reach those Turbin/Belladonna screams, Bush’s voice is polished, showing no signs of wear and tear. Frank Bello’s bass twangs through time in this classic thrash attack and Charlie Benante’s limbs haven’t slowed up in 20 years.

It’s not fair to view this as nostalgia, but rather a revisiting and celebration of where Anthrax has come from. These classics have all the foot-stomping, metal grit the originals did; some even more so. “Deathrider,” gets a modern-day tune-up, while other tracks like “Caught in a Mosh,” “N.F.L.” and “Indians” will squeeze the adrenaline from your glands like the originals did the first time you heard them. The only track that came up short was “Belly of the Beast,” where the band seems out of tune and style.

Instead of getting caught bootlegging Anthrax’s next show, or getting a crowdsurfing, kick in the head while yelling along to “Among the Living,” you can listen to these classics in the safety of your home.

Categorical Rating Breakdown
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 6
Originality: 9
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.8 out of 10