Reunion Carbide

I could have cheated on this one because of the fact that it’s a compilation (three times the points ooohhh!). But knowing that I am not whore (at least not that kind), I decided to just give this collection a quick run through as a whole. You’re probably more likely to find the recordings in this form rather than separately too, as I randomly found one on ebay. Just as a starter this is an essential recording for fans of Czech metal and grind, and it is also extremely entertaining. The liner notes are interesting and informative and the artwork and lineups of the three sections are included as well. If you find a copy be sure to pick it up!

As you might have guessed from the info page, “Reunion Carbide” contains all of the studio work done by this group, which totals up to good goddam chuck of listening time. To me it’s very clear that this group has some great talent involved over all of their works. The only consistent member was guitarist and vocalist (on “Reunion Carbide”) Franta Serak who employed many of these well-groomed technicians and comrades over the lifespan of the group. His vocals are admittedly awesome, if somewhat goofy, but help to make the songs VERY enjoyable in that regard alone. His phrases sound something like a mix between the “hurr-hurr” and “wheet-wheet” death grunts and grind growls which might inspire some smiles. I like them very much! The other two sections feature the vocal talents of Jan Cizek, whose animal sounds have a much more serious edge to them and are very good also (perhaps he should of at least stood on for backing vocals for the full length?).

The obvious standout and worth the price of purchase alone is the full length “Union Carbide,” which sadly ends in less than a half hour but leaves an impression nonetheless. The true strength of this work is the rhythm section which includes the drumming warlord Tomas Corn (before his transcendent Lykathea Aflame performance) and the surprisingly funky and wicked bass necrobation of Mirek Lehky. The two totally rally the group together like a good drum n’ bass combo should. Just take one listen to the standout title track and it’s ultra-tightly wound bass intro and the equally tightly played drum patterns and try not to be impressed and perhaps confused. At times the group of seven songs seems to bizarre for the deathgrind world from whence it was spawned, but those looking for novelty will not be pleased because it doesn’t rest on the weirdness to get it by. It’s unique but not weak, so to speak (rhymes?!). Serak and second guitar player Karel Burzinsky place great guitar textures over the scansion assault and complete a ridiculously good lineup. The solos are emotionally and technically played as well. Like so many other underground acts, I think this group could have done something pretty amazing if they had stood together (but then we might not have Elvenefris!).

The second chunk of the album is the excellent demo recording “Absolute Combustion Transformed the Fear” which does not have drummer but instead relies on a mechanical beat maker. I would like to point out that said drum machine is programmed exceptionally well and does not sound completely out of place like other examples of this phenomenon. They are really well done, simple and really put a great deal of meat into the recording, perhaps even more than a live drummer would (never thought I’d say that). The guitars of Serak are in top form here and Cizek opts for a lower, more brutal death metal styled roar and chugs along with the pounding guitar chords. What is interesting and somewhat disappointingly is that the bass madness cannot be heard very well above the cacophony but no doubt he is there filling out the sound. This is a very effective work and is nearly as good as the full length. I wonder why Cizek jumped ship after this? Perhaps it had something to do with the mixing.

The last portion, “Mind Detonator” left less of an impression, but does feature a full lineup and three cuts from “Union Carbide” in less defined and rawer incarnations. It showcases a pretty brutal set of physical battery that will impress grind fans with its more succinct nature and please death metal fiends who like it raw and somewhat old-school. It also has some strange ambient sections that add a little bit of seriousness/goofiness to the events that unfold. The production does hamper the effort at certain points as it could have used a less loud drum track and perhaps a heaver guitar section. When the bass can be heard it is very good, and shows what the Merak/Cizek combo had in mind from early on. Cizek is excellent in his double role of bass and vocals here. This is still a great listen, and has a lot of cool factor as well. It’s better than most demos and that is impressive on its own.

In conclusion, I think that if you are reading this, you will probably enjoy what you will find in this set. It’s very good, and while it may not break the glass ceiling it will probably make you break some glass of your own (get it, windows? solo-moshing? nevermind.) Enjoy fellow metal fan!