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Class 6(66)

Asphyx: Last one on Earth

21/01/11  ||  Habakuk

Introduction

“Last one on earth” is an album I haven’t seen mentioned much, in terms of death/doom metal, as well as when it comes to Asphyx itself. Its predecessor “The rack” is probably too much of an influential landmark album to allow for a second, similar album next to it in the general perception. In my opinion however, this is the better album, by quite a significant margin even. While the stylistic direction is unchanged in its simplicity, the sound is better, and the songs are of consistently higher quality. A true showcase of a band staying true to their formula, which I guess can be said about Asphyx’ newer stuff just as well – it’s just not as perfectly crafted as “Last one on earth”.

Songwriting

8.5. The songs range from sluggish behemoths to ceaseless thrashing assaults, including mixes thereof with seamless transitions. The moments when the band decide to kick into gear after a short slowdown are pure death metal bliss. For a taste, check out “Food for the ignorant” at around 0:35 or “The Krusher” at 2:09. It sounds like the Drunken Master technique applied to death metal – a seemingly sloppy, wavering groove lulls you in, only to be followed by a massive, precise riff that just couldn’t have been written any better. You fucken lose. There is a raw, ravaging power to some of this material that is really hard to find.

Production

8. A huge step up from the flat production on “The rack” or the filth of “Crush the cenotaph”. It’s still in no way high-class or polished, but the prominent and (at least) doubled guitar with a fringed, thick sound, bass supporting in the background and the very punchy drums give “Last one on earth” an absolutely massive sound. Asphyx have never sounded better.

Guitars

9. Thick, scraping and meaty. As mentioned before, Eric Daniels’ guitar playing appears to have been layered a good few times, which is positive because it makes up for the lack of a second guitarist. At the same time, it avoids the pitfall of sounding like an absolute mess. With a sound like this and Daniels’ at times loose playing style, I doubt this would have worked with another individual on guitar. As it is, however, it’s absolutely fantastic. Machine gun-like staccato triplets (“Asphyx/Forgotten war”), chunky shredding that forms a massive wall of sound, killer riffs (“M.S. Bismarck”…) and the odd punkish three-chord progression for a solid, down-to-earth feel. The awesome riff per song ratio on this album is up there with the best of them. I repeat: Absolutely fantastic.

Bass

7. If the riffs are like steaks (they are, obviously, just follow me on that one), then this is the bloody inside. Accompanying the guitar with a deep rumble, Rob van Pol makes sure the juice is flowing. Not exactly a very “interesting” performance, you know, this is not Tony Choy or whatever, but it’s irreplaceable for an enjoyable, thick end product.

Vocals

9. Well, you either love or hate Martin van Drunen’s verminous trademark howl, none of my rambling will change anything about that. He’s at the height of his game here – mostly comprehensible, but it sounds like he’s dying in rraaaughragonyeeerrr.

Drums

7.5. Bob Bagchus never was a particularly great drummer, but his somewhat bumpy playing actually adds to the brutal feel here. It’s not that he’s really sloppy or off, but his performance definitely shows signs of being very forced, which provides a sense of (positive, unless you’re a drum technique fetishist) tension to the songs. Some very unique-sounding bits and fills are the result, as it seems Bagchus wasn’t very imaginative and tried to stay close to the guitars. Personally, I believe his playing is great for repeated listenings, although any drum teacher would probably run away screaming.

Lyrics

6.5. I can’t say I ever cared much about Asphyx’ lyrics. To me, they’re a pretty run-of-the-mill death metal affair. Solid, but one-dimensional – at least they make a good base for a decent rauuurghghhhhhh, so I’m happy.

Cover

6. A zombie-like dude in front of a cross, only roughly matching the album title. Cool painting with the blue color choice and all, but it’s pretty forgettable in the end.

Logo

10. Unique and fantastic. I’m actually speaking of the re-release version here (see image), because in the original red it would have scored a mere 9. Anyway, this is more of a statement than just a logo. And it spells Asfuckenphyx.

Booklet.

6.5. Far from where I am right now, but the CD is one of those Century Media re-releases with a “Death Certificate” sticker on the packaging wrap, which is fairly cool. I believe there are lyrics and some liner notes in the booklet, and that’s also fairly cool. A fairly good score should be fitting here. You definitely won’t need to throw the booklet away.

Overall and Ending Rant

An essential listen for anyone into old school European death metal, and the album I’d recommend to anyone who hasn’t heard Asphyx as a starting point. Everything else they’ve done is basically the same, just not as great. I don’t know, I feel this has turned into a very unimaginative review – but then again, the message is simple: get this album.

8.5

  • Information
  • Released: 1992
  • Label: Century Media
  • Website: www.asphyx.nl
  • Band
  • Martin van Drunen: vocals
  • Ron van Pol: bass
  • Eric Daniels: guitar
  • Bob Bagchus: drums
  • Tracklist
  • 01. M.S. Bismarck
  • 02. The Krusher
  • 03. Serenade in lead
  • 04. Last one on earth
  • 05. The incarnation of lust
  • 06. Streams of ancient of wisdom
  • 07. Food for the ignorant
  • 08. Asphyx (forgotten war)

Class 6(66) -reviews

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