NME - Unholy Death

Artist:  NME

Album: Unholy Death

Year:  1986

Genre:  Black Metal

My god did I go dead fucking wrong on this album.  I’ve owned this record since 1987 after reading a review in Powerline fanzine.  I never got rid of it because the collector idiot in me said “keep it,” but after numerous tries, the album never resonated.  Anyways, the zine described them as Seattle’s first black/death metal band and dwelled on the negativity surrounding the album and the members of the band.  They gave the music a strong review and, in essence, called the lyrics reprehensible; a perfect combination for any 16-year-old seeking the most extreme music on the planet.  Obviously, the reviewer had way more vision than I did since my brain for the past 30 years was never able to handle this record and always looked at this as a sloppy, noise infused mess.  I was gravely mistaken.  Unholy Death is unprocessed primordial chaos that uses mood and texture, not speed, to create their abhorrent cacophony.  Its goal is to make you worship Satan, do drugs and kill things.  THIS is what Venom was supposed to sound like.  THIS is what Warfare was supposed to sound like.  THIS is what Hellhammer was supposed to sound like.  Raw, noisy, simplistic assaults that are as ugly as they are malevolent.  Unholy Death is the kind of record that will make other bands cower and parents fear for their kids’ safety.  It’s so hateful.  The fact these guys had this going in 1986 is mind-numbing.   Now I’m furious at myself for not realizing their genius long ago.

Listen to "Black Knight" here.