Oppressor

Elements of Corrosion (Olympic)
by Scott Hefflon

It’s brutal, it’s fast, and it’s heavy as a motherfucker. If that’s enough for you, have fun, kids. This is the kind of tuneless death metal I have trouble appreciating. While I’m not a fan of the demon voice and randomness of the pace, I am impressed by the guitar fills and “flash metal” squawking. Obviously, very talented guitarists who, once they learn how to write a memorable rhythm, might just have something. While you often can’t hum an Entombed riff, at least you can recognize it when you hear it again. Oppressor, and many of the brutal-first-and-foremost mindset, leave very little lasting impression after the CD stops playing.
(PO Box 7217 Elgin, IL 60121)