(2010, Profane Existence EXIST116CD)
It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly 21 years since AMEBIX called it quits. Their 1985 LP, Arise, is a classic of the crust genre and helped inspire my love of Apocalyptic Crust, with their bleak, heavy music and dark lyrics. When they announced their reformation, I was not sure what to expect; not all band resurrections produce anything worth listening to. AMEBIX, down to brothers The Baron and Stig were joined by Roy Mayorga, the former drummer for NAUSEA, STONE SOUR, and SOULFLY. Their first project was this EP, a re-recording of three classic tracks.
AMEBIX chose tracks from throughout their career: Arise (from their first LP), Winter (from their second 7″), and Chain Reaction (from their final LP). The first thing I noticed was the better production, especially on Winter. The original version was a good song, but the production was a little muddy. Now, the song sounds so much better, especially with the crisp bass line and the heavier guitars. The vocals sit better in the mix. Both Winter and Chain Reaction show how much of an influence KILLING JOKE had on the formation of AMEBIX’s sound. Chain Reaction features a simple bass riff over a haunting, trebly guitar sound that could have been lifted off the first KILLING JOKE LP. The first track, Arise, still sounds great, but has the added bonus of a synth used during the chorus.
Overall, this is proof of a band that is firing on all cylinders. The songs are tight and heavy, and have an even stronger apocalyptic feel to them. The band plans on having a new LP recorded this year (2011). I anticipate great things to come.
Apocalyptic Crust 