Tombstones - Not for the Squeamish

Tombstones
Not for the Squeamish
2010 Razorback Records
Starting off with a more straightforward death metal/grindcore approach, Razorback Records' roster has morphed into something more along the
lines of late 70s/early 80s B-movie inspired death metal. Some might call it "horror metal" or "gore metal." I prefer not to get involved in that kind of debate. In the end, it all goes back to death metal. It's almost as if the past releases of Hooded Menace, Scaremaker and Revolting have led to this: the birth of Tombstones. In a way, this is a sort of underground supergroup, as it features the Elektrokutioner-- he of many different bands including Loathsome, Decrepitaph and Beyond Hell, Patrick Bruss-- the demented mind behind Crypticus, and Stevo Dobbins-- yes, THAT Stevo. The same one who once fronted the spiritual godfather of this gore scene, Impetigo. The tracks here are all standard Razorback fare, with heavy-handed, riff-oriented death metal and lyrics that are all but based on episodes of "Tales From the Crypt." In fact, Stevo takes the role of The Cryptkeeper, giving an introduction to most (if not all) tracks in as sinister and creepy a voice as he can manage. Given who he is, that's very damn creepy and sinister, I might add. Obviously, if you're into any of the bands (or the comic books/show) mentioned here, this one is a no-brainer!