Condemned is quite the popular name. Initially, I had thought it was the wily band from Texas from years back. Alas, it was a newer band from California. Although I have never been in a band or been part of the naming process, I figured this process would be fun. Band names like “Night Fondler,” “Ball-Bag Desecrator,” “Tin Foil Mouthpiece,” “Todd,” and “Abnormally Large Areolas” are still available and have never been used. There are many things I wonder about like these things and why people wear ridiculous sunglasses. I am still searching for answers.

I decided to hear what all the hype was about with this Cephalotripsy band and spent the money on the disc. It was the type of music I had yearned for quite a while, with breakdowns that vary quite much from the “core” type stuff. Once I found out that two members of Cephalotripsy were in another band, I figured this would be as good. It was good but not as enjoyable as the Cephalotripsy release.

Desecrate the Vile has all the makings of a solid death metal release: Dan Seagrave type cover art, throwback to 1995 song titles like "Habitual Depravity " and "Amputated Repugnance," and more than ½ of the band has long hair and/or bald heads, physical characteristics that seem worthy to many people now listening to this type of music now. Condemned lay down 10 tracks of stereotypical California death metal, extremely influenced by Disgorge; Gurgled vocals, sections of whirlwind grind, and abrupt pace changes. The Cephalotripsy influence is prominent in the breakdowns, which are excessively slow yet maintain a decent groove. And the moderately paced sections are much more prominent than Disgorge. The production is pretty slick and makes for a solid listen. It is a solid release but I feel the same way that I do after listening to a Disgorge record; longing for more and longer slower riffs instead of the consistent grinding and blasting. But, as stated before, these sections are not as frequent as commonly seen in Disgorge. It is nice that one has the option to throw on the Cephalotripsy disc and fill the void. It is shame that other bands do not have an alter-ego, using the other band to fulfill the needs of complainers like me. I would not complain if I found an egg McMuffin tucked nicely under my blanket. And that would be the alter-ego of a Sausage McMuffin, which fills the meat void. See, who said metal was not applicable in other areas of life?

If Disgorge and other “Schwarzenegger” (that is a reference to California - only for those teats who think I am being overly cryptic) death/grind bands are high on your list, then this is a release you should have. But be weary of my monotone feel and large scrotum; My lack of “gusto” reflects my feelings towards the album.

Written By: Double Ds