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Presumably the last of the four recent reissues from Dying Fetus on Relapse Records, the Grotesque Impalement EP showcases an established, stable band. Originally released in 2000 on the band’s own short-lived label, Blunt Force Records, it was a stopgap between full-lengths and also sold during a tour in a limited pressing.

Grotesque Impalement includes some re-recordings of demo material, a couple of covers, and some oddities complete with in jokes and fun being poked at black metal.


This reissue of the EP is remastered and contains a couple of bonus tracks, as well.

Once again, one of my favorite features of the reissue is Jason Netherton’s detailed liner notes, depicting a maturing band comfortable in their position and looking forward to their next album with a solid lineup of hard working professionals in place. Completing the reissue package are photos from the era.

After the release of Grotesque Impalement, Dying Fetus signed with Relapse Records for their next full-length, the classic Destroy The Opposition, and, although upheaval would follow with lineup changes and the band’s near disintegration, Dying Fetus remain a gigantic force in death metal today. Those of you not very familiar with the band’s early days have the perfect opportunity to get schooled with these four stellar reissues of the band’s early material from Relapse Records.

(released March 1, 2011 on Relapse Records)



Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.