Reek of Putrefaction (1988) - Carcass

 

Reek of Putrefaction by Carcass is a landmark debut album released on July 28, 1988. Widely regarded as a foundational record in grindcore and goregrind, the album showcases Carcass's unrelenting speed, guttural vocals, and grotesque lyrical themes. Its raw, chaotic sound set a new standard for extreme metal while influencing countless bands in the genre.

Tracklist:

1. Genital Grinder
2. Regurgitation of Giblets
3. Maggot Colony
4. Pyosisified (Rotten to the Gore)
5. Carbonized Eyesockets
6. Frenzied Detruncation
7. Vomited Anal Tract
8. Festerday
9. Fermenting Innards
10. Excreted Alive
11. Suppuration
12. Foeticide
13. Microwaved Uterogestation
14. Feast on Dismembered Carnage
15. Splattered Cavities
16. Psychopathologist
17. Burnt to a Crisp
18. Pungent Excruciation
19. Manifestation of Verrucose Urethra
20. Oxidised Razor Masticator
21. Mucopurulence Excretor
22. Malignant Defecation

Reek of Putrefaction is unapologetically raw, with a lo-fi production that amplifies its grimy atmosphere. Songs are short, blistering bursts of aggression, rarely exceeding two minutes. The album’s themes of medical horror and bodily disfigurement are vividly portrayed through both the lyrics and the infamous cover art, which features real autopsy photographs—a choice that sparked controversy but became iconic in the underground scene.

Tracks like Genital Grinder and Regurgitation of Giblets open the album with a ferocious energy that barely lets up. Pyosisified (Rotten to the Gore) and Maggot Colony stand out for their intricate riffs and relentless blast beats, while Microwaved Uterogestation highlights Carcass’s knack for grotesque imagery and pun-laden titles.

Though the album’s production was criticized for its murky mix, this “flaw” has since been embraced as part of its charm. It gives Reek of Putrefaction an unfiltered, almost primal feel that perfectly complements its visceral content.

Listening to Reek of Putrefaction is like diving headfirst into a cesspool of gore and chaos—in the best possible way. The sheer audacity and intensity of the record are unmatched, and while the production might be challenging at first, it ultimately enhances the brutal atmosphere.

My favorite tracks include Genital Grinder for its iconic opening riff, Pyosisified (Rotten to the Gore) for its relentless energy, and Feast on Dismembered Carnage for its memorable grooves. These songs represent Carcass’s ability to balance raw aggression with technical skill, even at this early stage in their career.

Reek of Putrefaction remains a cornerstone of extreme metal, a chaotic yet essential listen for anyone exploring the origins of grindcore. It’s an album that embraces its grotesque nature with unflinching confidence, solidifying Carcass’s place as pioneers of sonic extremity.