Speaking of genre spawning albums, grindcore also had to have been birthed somewhere along the metal chronology. Reek of Putrefaction proved to be just the catalyst that was needed, and thus, grindcore - as well as goregrind - was born.

Carcass’ debut is filthy in all the right ways; you know you’ve listened to a real grind record when you come away craving a cold shower. From the autopsy-laden cover art, to the chilling production (or lack thereof), never before and never since has music been so slimy. The vocals are a gargle, and the guitars appear a mess, but there is actually more happening on a musical front than meets the ear. Many of the guitar solos are sublime, and the rhythm of the ride is crushing at worst.

If you want an album to spit gore down the front of your best dinner shirt, and to kick your ass all around town, Reek of Putrefaction is one of your best bets.

4.4/5