Reissue of 30th Anniversary Edition: Supernatural Death

The reissue of Supernatural Death by Opprobrium marks a pivotal moment in the legacy of extreme metal and deserves broader acknowledgment for its extraordinary quality and lasting influence. This album stands as a powerful testament to the unmatched intensity of the original Incubus, solidifying its position as a seminal work within the realms of both death metal and thrash metal. It remains a significant milestone in the evolution of these genres, showcasing exceptional musical craftsmanship and an enduring impact.

A Pioneering Force

In the 1980s, the Brazilian band Incubus captured the attention of metal fans worldwide with their unparalleled heaviness, speed, and aggression. They were among the first bands to successfully blend the burgeoning genres of death metal and thrash, pioneering a sound that was ahead of its time. However, due to a copyright dispute with a pop band sharing the same name, they were forced to rebrand as Opprobrium, leading to a period of inactivity before they returned with Supernatural Death.

Meticulously Crafted Riffs

At the heart of Supernatural Death lies its meticulously constructed riffs, which set it apart from many of its peers. Each track showcases a level of complexity rarely associated with bands of this extreme subgenre. The album transitions seamlessly between slower, crushingly heavy sections and blistering, tremolo-picked passages, displaying a masterful balance of speed and musicality.

Guitar Mastery and Songwriting Brilliance

Guitarist Francis M. Howard’s talent is at the forefront of Supernatural Death, with his commanding riffs and sophisticated songwriting elevating the album. The band’s early work on this record demonstrates their exceptional musical capabilities, laying the foundation for even greater accomplishments in their subsequent release, Beyond the Unknown.

Raw Production and Distinctive Guitar Tone

The raw production of Supernatural Death complements the guitar work, yielding a distinctive, overdriven tone reminiscent of other pioneering acts such as Exhorder and Demolition Hammer. The album’s commanding guitar tone is immediately apparent from the opening track, “Sadistic Sinner,” setting the stage for an electrifying listening experience.

Drumming Excellence

The drumming on Supernatural Death is particularly noteworthy for its hyper-snare style, which contributes significantly to the album’s reputation as one of the fastest thrash metal recordings. While some listeners may initially mistake it for blast beats, a closer examination reveals the intricacies of a high-speed thrash beat, executed with impressive precision and technicality.

Challenging Musical Conventions

Opprobrium challenges traditional musical boundaries, especially in its approach to tempos and rhythms. The band’s ability to execute thrash beats at such breakneck speeds defies the commonly held belief that death metal and black metal bands utilizing blast beats are inherently faster than their thrash counterparts. The intensity of Supernatural Death even edges into grindcore territory, yet it firmly remains rooted in the thrash metal genre, offering a unique and boundary-pushing sound.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 30th Anniversary reissue of Supernatural Death is an album that warrants greater recognition. Its profound impact on the development of death metal and thrash metal cannot be overstated. With unparalleled musical ferocity and technical mastery, the album stands as a landmark achievement in the history of extreme metal.