Meathook Seed “Embedded” CD

I simply cannot fucking believe that this record never got more attention all around. It just makes no damn sense to me whatsoever. The year is 1993: Death metal is starting to get more and more popular, Obituary is pretty hot riding the wave following "The End Complete", Napalm Death has recently peaked with "Utopia Banished" and is preparing to do a major label stint, and members of the two bands join together for one of the greatest side projects of all time in Meathook Seed. Napalm Death's Mitch Harris led the band on guitar, bass, and backing vocals; while Obituary's Donald Tardy and Trevor Peres rounded things out on drums and vocals, respectively. The result? "Embedded": 11 tracks of raging material that combines elements of hardcore, death metal, and industrial with absolutely impeccable songwriting and a totally scorching vocal performance from Peres (why he never sang for another band is beyond me, because he's an amazing frontman). I loved this shit when I was a kid and I still love it now.

Of course, all good things must come to an end. Harris returned out of nowhere six years later with an entirely new lineup (including fellow Napalm Death bassist Shane Embury) on the rather scarce "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth", which was a complete and utter disappointment. In fact, when I finally tracked down a copy a few months after it came out, I was violently disgusted by how terrible it was compared to "Embedded", so in my opinion the second record has no right to bear the name Meathook Seed, as it simply tarnishes the otherwise painfully overlooked level of quality that the debut delivered. I'm sorry, I love both Napalm Death and Obituary, but this first Meathook Seed record is better than anything that either of those bands have ever done individually. Call me crazy, but it's true. I mean, why the hell did this band not receive more attention back in the day? See for yourself. Just try and tell me this shit isn't totally amazing. I had such a hard time narrowing it down to only four songs:

Meathook Seed "Visible Shallow Self"
Meathook Seed "Focal Point Blur"
Meathook Seed "A Wilted Remnant"
Meathook Seed "A Furred Grave"

In true moronic fashion, you can grab used copies of this fucker for less than $2 a pop all over the place, so you'd be nuts not to have at that shit. I say fuck anyone who's ever sold this, though. People have no fucking taste, man. No fucking taste. But, hey, benefit from it:

Amazon.com
Half.com