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Behind Bars reviews
Review by: Illusions Webzine www.myspace.com/illusionszineHot off the press comes "Behind Bars" which is the third and newest release for Detroit area based brutal technical deathgrind unit known as Syphilic. For those that don't already know, Syphilic is the brainchild of former Gutrot and Mutilated vocalist Brian Forgue (guitars, vocals and drum programming) who is also the current vocalist for another sick Eastern Michigan brutal death metal band Saprogenic. Also in the Syphilic camp for studio bass sessions is Brian Baxter, formerly from the Ablated Records, current co-founder of Gorefiend Merch and also currently in newly reformed Regurgitation, Embalmer, Necrotic Disgorgement just to name a few.
The content of "Behind Bars" came at a heavy price for Forgue as all of the music and most of the lyrics were done during two separate stints in jail for reasons that I will not go into here. It's not my place. If you want to learn more about it go to the newly created Syphilic website http://www.syphilic.com and read the bio and info sections. I had the chance to listen to the two previous releases, the debut full length "Erotishock Therapy" and the following five song EP "Symphony of Slit Throats" and then onto the main course of "Behind Bars". All three are excellent releases but with "Behind Bars" you can definitely see the musical growth of Forgue, who has that unique blend of mixing brutality and off-time musical writings which makes for great ear candy. This new album he takes it to another level from the previous two. Even a bit more technical while at the same time keeping the table flipping aggression. Case in point for instance track four "Miscarriage Mouthful". The Brians are all over their respective fretboards with some insane fretboard runs mixed with stop and go precision. Also the love that Forgue has for Metallica shows up a couple times as a tribute to them I'm sure. Track three "Rochester Chester" closes out with Baxter performing the first bass line of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and there is also an unlisted bonus cover of one of the most slamming Metallica song "Leper Messiah" only, as you can imagine, extremely heavier and even more sick. There is also a slew of guest spots on this album as well. Guest vocalists include Angel Ochoa (Condemned/Cephalotripsy) for track one, Brian Baxter on track three, Clay (Cemetery Rapist) on track six, Connor Bond (Envenomation) on track seven, Captain Shitbeard himself Nikfuk (Sikfuk) on track eight and Rob Solberg (Digested Flesh) on track nine. All of that mixed with Forgue's super guttural spews. Guest guitar solos for track four and nine were performed by "Metal" Matt Martin.
If you own or have heard anything from Syphilic's previous two releases and liked what you heard from them, get in touch with him at the following links and order your copy today! You won't be dissappointed at all.
Link to review: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=60493825&blogId=532583612
Review by: beatsfromhell www.metal-archives.com
While some bands sold out with there early 2010 releases (*ahem* Arsis) Syphilic keeps its core elements: relentless, complex, obscure brutality taken to disgusting measures with humorous samples taken from various media sources. Despite sticking to original roots, progression is also very present with this record. Including but not limited to: adapting new vocal styles, more electrifying guitars, and more complex song structures in general. The only other way to experience this album would be to sodomize yourself with an electrical wire.
From the start the guitars sound better and more technical. But dont worry, its not overly technical. Theres quite a few pinch harmonics at fast paces in the riffs that kind of give it that technical sound. Theres a much more defined sound that is far more chaotic sounding on this album. Still, the take no prisoners brutal death metal guitar playing style is still relevant on this album. The riffs in general are still recognizable as a prominent Syphilic release, just on the next level.
The border-line signature vocal style of Brian Forgue is of course still here. However, he has seemed to have expanded his vocals a bit. Theres a vocal style that is used in various places throughout this album that almost sounds like a traditional death metal growl, or as close to it as Syphilic will probably ever get. Regardless, the obscure and brutal vocals are here in all there glory. But once again, on the next level.
And what would a Syphilic release be without the samples? Possibly just another brick in the wall. This album starts off with a sample from Bad Santa, and the sample continues at the end of the album. A lot like the Lewis Black joke at the beginning and the end of Erotishock Therapy. Behind Bars uses numerous samples from Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Yes, the FX original series is heard various times through out Behind Bars. These specific samples are lines from the T.V. show that discuss topics that are very relevant to this record, including: musical talent, unprotected sex, gutturals, and molestation. So in the end, it works out pretty well on this album.
If you love death metal and Metallica, then (possibly) youre dream has come true. Behind Bars ends with a cover of Metallicas Leper Messiah. But this is a cover done right. It is immediately recognizable as Leper Messiah, but much heavier. It generally sounds almost the same but in a death metal style.
If you like death metal and can handle sheer chaos, then buy Behind Bars. It doesnt disappoint at all.
yet again, but better - 98%
Link to review: http://metal-archives.com/review.php?id=268417
Review by: Joe http://crypticinscriptions666.blogspot.com/
Brian Forgue who is noted for being the vocalist in underground bands such as: Gutrot, The Mutilated, Mulch, Saprogenic and many more. Spews out another sick release with his solo project Syphilic entitled Behind Bars (for anyone that doesn’t know the album itself was actually written while Brian was in jail hence the title). This offering has to be the sickest production and music wise as far as Syphilic is concerned. Not trying to bash Erotcic Shock Therapy or Symphony of Silt Throats, but Behind Bars far surpasses both of those releases. Not saying that their bad, but Syphilic has progressed and will keep progressing as time goes on. The alcohol induced death/grind madness opens up with Wombhead and right from the start you can tell this release is going to kick you in the teeth. Superb drum programming mixed with technical and sickening riffs topped with the disgusting guttural assault provided by Forgue this release already kicks you in the teeth before it ends. On Robalni the guitar bass trade off is done with excellence (on another note the bass tracks were recorded by Brian Baxter (Reguritation/Henious Killings/Gorgasm) this is followed by other great works such as the instrumental track Miscarriage Mouthful, the bestial abomination Canine Creampie, the vile Cannibalisdick and Vegetable at Best and a cover of Metallicas Leper Messiah which is thrown in for good measure. As usual there are several guest vocal spots courtesy of Angel Oehoa (Cephaltripsy), Clay Lamanske(Cemetery Rapist) Captain Shitbeard (Sikfuk),Rob Solberg(Digested Flesh) and Conner Bond(Envenomation) which really showcase the embodiment of disgust and perversity on this release. I see Syphilic getting better and making more original sick death grind in the near future. Hes currently working on a new record that’ll be slated for release in 2011. The alcohol induced brutality continues!
Link to review: http://crypticinscriptions666.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html
