Break the Curse 1990

Yes, this LP is good. Really good. It might be the best example of the largely unknown subgenre known as protoblack that emerged in the liminal period of the mid 80s - early 90s. Liminal, because it really is a purely transitional phenomena, occurring as a few, largely unknown bands tried to ape the style of Bathory and Sodom while not quite understanding what those bands were all about. Slaughterlord and Minotaur are probably the best secular examples, but they really don't hold a candle to the brutality, technicality, and ridiculously sexy production that is this (remixed?) version of Mortification's original demo tapes.

Everything on this record is SO DANG CLEAN! The bass is warbling, the drums are pounding, and somehow, everything still comes out clear as a bell. Yes, this band was obviously aping everything and everyone. From Destruction to Sodom to Motorhead, it's clear that the guys in Mortification had extremely killer taste. Yeah, Jason is talented, but as we all know, he's also humble, and on this record, he's standout without being dominating. The guitar is good too--just a few killer riffs, placed properly and played with passion. No bones, no tricks. Riff, bridge, screaming solo. Awesome. You can really see the Christlike humility coming through with these guys, no one person is trying to grab the attention. They're all just playing.

It's a serious blessing the abominable influence of later-era death gurgles/growls don't touch this record. Break the Curse was recorded when bands had taste--when it was okay for a death metal band like Entombed to have vocals that sounded more like a soul being tortured to death than a zombie vomiting its guts out. Hey, both are cool. I just happen to prefer the former. The black metal-styled shrieks and howls present on this record gel perfectly with the overall protoblack style.

Are Christian lyrics still controversial in this scene? I honestly don't think so, though it'd be pretty cool (for us Christians) if it was. Of course, you've got the Erik Danielssons who will always find the concept of 'Christian Black Metal' hilarious or impossible, but it seems the average dude in your local scene really couldn't care less. Regardless, yes, the lyrics are very Christian. The kind of Christian that's like: 'you're completely evil, and you're going to hell. But also, Jesus loves so much and he died for you. So stop worshipping the Devil, kid.' Yeah, I miss this era. No apologies, no tricks. Here's the Truth; take it or leave it. Contemporary Christian artists, take note. This is how you honor the Lord with your music. Just preach the GOSPEL! God will figure out the rest.

This is blue-collar workman's metal. It ain't fancy, it works, and if you've got a pulse, it will get your head banging in no time.

Ok, forget about the overly religious lyrics, the ridiculous prayer written in the booklet, and every stereotype you have heard about Christian metal. Done? Good. Now you're ready to accept the fact that this is one of the best thrash albums from the late 80's/ early 90's. The riffs on this record are catchy, and the rhythm section will have you tapping your foot, playing air drums, and busting out some wicked bass riffs on your air guitar. So with all this praise, why did I only give "Break the Curse" an 78? Well, let's just say that if I had a nickel for every time Jesus Christ/God was mentioned in the lyrics, I'd be filthy rich. In the same way that Deicide's overly anti-Christian lyrics are trite and repetitive, Mortification's pro-Christian lyrics are truly laughable. Take for instance the last song on the album, "The Majestic Infiltration of Order."

Here are the lyrics, taken straight from the booklet:
God Rulz X4

Chorus

God Rulz X4

So what I'm ultimately getting at is that if you can't handle lyrics that sound like they were taken straight from the Beginner's Bible (tm), then you won't enjoy this album. But personally, I think it's freaking hilarious. Play "The Majestic Infiltration of Order" for one of your metal friends and watch as they burst out in uncontrollable laughter. Other lyrical jewels from this album are “Journey of Reconciliation,” “Blood Sacrifice,” and “Brutal Warfare.”

One more thing that I need to mention, the bassist/singer for this band looks exactly like Budnik from the TV show "Salute Your Shorts." And the drummer looks like a carbon copy of Danny Tamborelli from "The Adventures of Pete and Pete," "All That," and "Figure It Out."
If that's not motivation to go buy this thrash classic, then you've missed out on some classic TV shows.