Cadaver Inc.: Discipline

Similar Artists: Satyricon, Thorns, Zyklon, Susperia, Akercocke, Mayhem, Behemoth

Background: Cadaver Inc. has actually been around for quite some time. The band released two albums on Earache (Necrosis imprint) under the name "Cadaver" in the early 90's. The original band toured with many of the modern Norwegian acts, including Emperor, Mayhem, Immortal, Enslaved and Dimmu Borgir. Cadaver Inc., the modern incantation of Cadaver, was founded by original guitarist Anders Odden, now going by the name of Neddo, in Oslo in 1999. He recently contributed on Satyricon's 'Rebel Extravaganza' and Mayhem's 'A Grand Declaration Of War' as well as being a member of the darkwave band ‘Apoptygma Berzerk’ in the mid nineties. Joining Neddo is drummer Czral, vocalist Apollyon (both from Aura Noir, Dodheimsgard) and LJ Balvaz on bass. This recording also features guest appearances from Fenriz (Darkthrone) on the track 'Rupture' and Faust (ex-Emperor) whose spoken word vocals on the track 'Killtech' were recorded from prison.

Packaging: I only have the promo, so I don’t have any first hand knowledge of the packaging. I have been informed by others that the CD does contain all the lyrics and comes packaged with a business card of one of the band members. This is related to their website which sarcastically promotes Murder Scene clean-up and lists their address as the Norwegian Parliament.

Production: "Discipline" was recorded and mixed in Sonic Electronic (November 2000). It was engineered by Bjorn.F, produced by Anders Odden and mastered at Livingroom by Espen Berg (January 2001). The production is appropriate for what they are trying to accomplish, it has a raw feel to it but not as sterile as the latest Satyricon or Thorns recordings. It has a "real" sound, as if it was recorded live in the studio. There does not appear to be any polishing of the sound whatsoever, therefore it retains its raw edge. The sound most reminds of the "Hell Awaits" era Slayer.

The Music: This recording just plain kicks ass. It is fast and aggressive but still retains a lot of underlying melody. The vocals are a mix of black metal tortured shrieks and computer enhanced gargled screams. What I really enjoy is how the band combines the brutality of death metal, the melody of black metal and the fist-pumping of thrash while incorporating some computer-enhanced digitized effects. This is not for the squeamish and is definitely not "pretty". Don’t expect symphonic black metal, on their website the band eagerly reminds you that there are no keyboards utilized here.

Recommendation: I tend to gauge how good a recording is by how often I want to hear it. This one has repeatedly found its way back into my stereo since I acquired it. This is something that you want to listen to when you have that urge to just totally jam out. Visit their website for some samples and take the time to download the video for the song "rupture" which is one of the best songs on the album. Highly recommended.

11 songs 39:01 minutes