Cover of Benediction The Grotesque - Ashen Epitaph

Benediction
The Grotesque - Ashen Epitaph

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For fans of benediction, lovers of 1990s death metal, and enthusiasts of extreme metal history
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THE REVIEW

They were among the first to dictate the rules in the Death Metal scene in Europe; born in Birmingham at the end of the eighties and worthy companions of their almost compatriots Napalm Death. It is the last important episode of their career, we are in 1994, which will continue with some albums that are increasingly predictable and dull.

But this EP of only five tracks still contains all those extreme and heavy musical characteristics, with that warlike imprint that made them recognizable for those who loved certain sounds in the nineties.

It starts with "The Grotesque" and immediately the blow is heavy: primordial, aggressive Death that overwhelms everything in the listening thanks to David Ingram's demonic growl voice; and the two guitars are no less, reminiscent darn well of "Harmony Corruption" (again the masters Napalm Death as an example). It's the turn of "Ashen Epitaph," where their swampy and belligerent modus operandi emerges, quite similar to their compatriots Bolt Thrower; a pitch-black and granitic track like few others in the genre.

It continues and reaches the end with three live-recorded tracks from their previous full-length albums; the deadly execution speed that borders on madness, the frantic drumming, and that voice so deep and dense, personally one of the most beautiful and expressive in the entire Death movement. Listen to "Subconscious Terror," with its frightening growth and David's final sneer that introduces the last track: this way you'll have a precise picture of what Benediction were...DEATH IS JUST THE BEGINNING...

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Summary by Bot

Benediction's 1994 EP 'The Grotesque - Ashen Epitaph' remains a powerful showcase of their early, aggressive death metal style. Featuring robust vocals by David Ingram and heavy, warlike guitar riffs, it recalls the sound of peers like Napalm Death and Bolt Thrower. Including five tracks, three of which are live versions of earlier hits, the EP captures the raw energy that made them influential in the European death metal scene. While their later works became more predictable, this release stands out for its extremity and intensity.

Benediction

Benediction are an English death metal band from Birmingham, formed in 1989. Early releases on Nuclear Blast—Subconscious Terror, The Grand Leveller, and Transcend the Rubicon—cemented their reputation with a death–thrash backbone and doom-tinged slowdowns. Early vocals featured Mark “Barney” Greenway; Dave Ingram became the defining voice. Later work includes Grind Bastard, Organised Chaos, Killing Music, and Scriptures.
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