Mortification formed in Australia in 1990 from the ashes of a power metal band called Lightforce.
Click here for a short history.
Mortification formed in Australia in 1990 from the ashes of
a power metal band called Lightforce.
Click here for a short history.
Mortification-Break the Curse (demo tape) 1989
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1. "Journey of Reconciliation" |
Mortification:
(1990) |
OK, I know it's not a CD but the Lightforce Break the Curse demo from 1990 is a rare collector's item. The sound is very thin, but still very listenable. The music is usually (mis)labeled as death metal, but rather what we have here is THRASH that is very influenced by the German thrash scene. All six of these songs appear on the Nuclear Blast re-release "Break The Curse 1990" but sound a bit better, probably due to mastering and the cd format. Black and white cover art with a cool black plastic cassette with gold print. Not something I ever listen to, but a nice Mortification collector's item.
Mortification-Break the Curse 1990 (Nuclear Blast Germany) 1990
Mortification-Break the Curse 1990 (Rowe Productions) 1990/2001
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1. "Blood Sacrifice"
(3:36) |
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Mortification: (1990) Produced by: Doug Sanders |
This album is the Lightforce "Break the Curse" demo re-mastered with the bonus track ("Butchered Mutilation") from Nuclear Blast's "Death is Just the Beginning" compilation all compiled together and released in 1994. All songs but the bonus track were recorded in April of 1990. Very thin recording, but still very listenable. A lot of these songs appeared on the Mortification self titled disc, but with a much heavier sound. This cd sounding much more like the high end Bay Area thrashers of the late eighties. The exception being the incredibly heavy "Butchered Mutilation" that is one of the best death metal songs Mortification has ever written. This song never seeing the light of day on any release in the U.S. Too bad, it's a killer song with a much needed message. Two other songs, "Blood Sacrifice" and "Break the Curse" would never see an American release until the "Best of...Five Years" disc some years later. This item is a genuine collector's item now. I've seen it selling on the net for well over $100. I paid $15 for mine when it was a newly released import.
Once again, a cd that was formerly worth a lot of money has been re-issued. This time 'round Rowe Productions, Steve's own label, has re-released the disc with some cool new photos. Only thing about the re-issue is that it does not included the incredible "Butchered Mutilation," so I guess the original is still worth a bit more than the re-issue. Mastering seems no different to me and their are no bonus tracks or remixes. So, why did I purchase this disc then? Because, yes, I am that anal about my cd collection.
Mortification (Intense) 1991
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1. "Until The End"
(3:47) |
gnarly "lake of fire" cover |
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Mortification: (1991) Additional musicians: Produced by Roger Martinez (Vengeance) |
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This album was continually, and is still, mislabeled as "death metal." While Steve Rowe's vocals style may be of the death variety, the music is pure, unadulterated thrash metal. It reminds me a bit of Kreator or even Destruction. It is pretty obvious that these guys were heavily influenced by the thriving thrash scene in the early 90's. In anycase, the music had hooks and the drum playing was some of the best around. The lyrics, written mostly by Jayson and Steve, were bold Christianity, which may have turned off some listeners. This album was released with two different covers; one for the Christian stores, which featured only the logo with the two sculls, and a secular cover that featured souls being cast into the lake of fire. Both covers were drawn by drummer Jayson Sherlock. (Yes, I own both covers.) Actually, it is the "Christian" cover that is more the collector's item. Most of these songs, especially "Brutal Warfare" are still concert favorites. The only real weak point in this disc is the production, which is a bit thin compared to what was to come. This is a must for any fan of thrash metal or early death metal. Also a must for any true Mortification fan.
This disc, along with the next three were re-released in double discs sets by KMG. The re-releases, however, are all quite poor. The cover artwork is cheap, none of the original liner notes were included, and even the mastering is poor. Stick with the originals if at all possible.
Mortification-Scrolls of the Megilloth (Intense) 1992
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1. "Nocturnal"
(6:08) |
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Mortification: (1992) Additional musicians: Produced by Doug Sanders & Mortification |
The album that is hailed by many as Mortification's best effort. I disagree, but can understand why someone would say this as this is an incredible disc. Many of today's Christian bands were inspired by this, some even using the song titles as a name for their band. This disc, unlike the self titled, is death metal. The blast beats abound! Heavy, downtuned, fast, chaotic, technical...just an all over good release. Of course, Mortification could never break free from their roots and their love for thrash and classic metal still showed through the D-tuned madness. Steve's love for epic songs began to show at this point as well with "Ancient Prophecy" clocking in at 11:42. The lyrics matured quite a bit on this release as well, still bring forth their belief in Jesus Christ, but in a much more interesting way. Songs like "Scrolls of the Megilloth" are actually straight up Bible teachings. Others like "Nocturnal" were an attempt to show disapproving Christians why they do what they do. The production was beefy and blew away their self titled album. This disc is one of their best and ranks only behind "EnVision EvAngeline" and "Post Momentary Affliction" on my list. A must for any fan of brutal metal, and if you're a Mortification fan, then you should already own this!
Mortification-Scrolls of the Megilloth/Gorefest-False
(Nuclear Blast) 1993
1. "Nocturnal"
(6:08)
2. "Terminate Damnation" (6:17)
3. "Eternal Lamentation" (6:27)
4. "Raise the Chalice" (4:17)
5. "Lymphosarcoma" (6:01)
6. "Scrolls of the Megilloth" (4:25)
7. "Death Requiem" (5:09)
8. "Necromanicide" (4:54)
9. "Inflamed" (3:25)
10 "Ancient Prophecy" (11:42)
This 2-cd promotional set is very rare, although it contains no new songs by either band. It's just one of those discs that collector's and cd freaks want to have so that they can boast that they have it. I got mine in a trade for almost nothing. I saw a copy at a show for $30. Click here for Gorefest songlist.
Mortification-Post Momentary Affliction (Intense/Nuclear Blast) 1993
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1. "Allusions from
the Valley of the Shadows" (1:28) |
 Intense Records cover |
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Mortification: (1993) Produced by: Doug Sanders |
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Next to EnVision EvAngeline, this would be my favorite Mortification disc. What we have here is a return to the thrash roots from the first album, but with more finesse. The influences of Iron Maiden and especially Manowar are showing through much more than in the past. This is just a great speed metal/thrash feast. This album was also the introduction of the new vocals style. The deathly growl still present, but mixed with a clean, doomy shout that would begin to become more prevelant in future discs. The lyrics are mature, Christ centered, and intelligent. I guess the return to thrash was not what Jayson Sherlock wanted, as soon after the release of P.M.A., he announced his departure to play with doom/death band Parameacium. A shame, really, as the drum work on this cd is phenomenal! Some of the best drumming in metal. Period!
The Intense cover was drawn by drummer Jayson Sherlock. (Yes, I own both covers.) This album would be the final studio disc of what many would consider the classic Mortification line-up.
Mortification-Live Planetarium (Intense) 1993
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1. "Grind Planetarium"
(5:16) |
 |
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Mortification: (1993) |
Produced by Doug Sanders recorded live October, 1 1993 |
Ah yes, a live album from our favorite Australian imports. Good recording, wild crowd from the Blackstump Festival and a good selection of tunes from the first three discs. Two new songs that we were told would be on the next studio album, however, only "Symbiosis" ever made it onto any official Mortification release. The studio verison of "Time Crusader" would only see light of day on the very obscure Australia Metal 1 compilation. Probably a wise decision as this live version was beefy and could not be beat! Actually one of the best songs on the disc. A botched, speedy version of Bloodgood's "Black Snake." It contains the worst guitar solo ever recorded. Micheal Carlisle never claiming to be much of a lead player, proves it with this solo. The production isn't bad for a live offering. Probably not the disc you want to get if you are new to Mortification, but a must for fans. "Live Planetarium" is one of the discs on my top favorite live discs.
Mortification-Scrolls of the Megilloth/Post Momentary Affliction (Nuclear
Blast) 1995
| DISC
1 1. "Nocturnal" (6:08) 2. "Terminate Damnation" (6:17) 3. "Eternal Lamentation" (6:27) 4. "Raise the Chalice" (4:17) 5. "Lymphosarcoma" (6:01) 6. "Scrolls of the Megilloth" (4:25) 7. "Death Requiem" (5:09) 8. "Necromanicide" (4:54) 9. "Inflamed" (3:25) 10 "Ancient Prophecy" (11:42) BONUS TRACKS 11. "Brutal Warfare" (4:10) 12. "Time Crusader" -live (5:55) |
DISC
TWO 1. "Allusions of Life" (1:28) 2. "From the Valley of the Shadows" (8:01) 3. "Human Condition" (3:17) 4. "Distarnished Priest" (7:24) 5. "Black Lion of the Wind" (4:09) 6. "Grind Planetarium" (4:27) 7. "Pride Sanitarium (reprise)" (1:38) 8. "Overseer" (9:18) 9. "This Momentary Affliction" (1:32) 10. "Flight of Victory" -bass instrumental (2:32) 11. "Impulsation" (4:25) 12. "Liquid Assets" (1:21) 13. "Vital Fluids" (6:21) 14. "The Sea of Forgetfulness" (:29) BONUS TRACK 15. "Butchered Mutilation" (4:47) |
Mortification-Blood World (Intense/Nuclear Blast)
1994
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1. "Clan of Light"
( 4:21) |
Nuclear Blast version |
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Mortification: (1994) Produced by: Mark McCormick and Mortification |
 Intense Records version |
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With a new drummer, a new producer, and a new logo comes a new sound. Many cried "sellout." Some said they went "hardcore." This, of course, was not even slightly true. The death metal sound was gone but the thrash sound was now completely in place. "Blood World" is not my favorite disc either, but it has some great songs. Some are Mortification classics, while others were just not of the calibur of past albums. However, this was actually the best selling Mortification disc of their entire catalogue, especially in the U.S..
Nuclear Blast & Intense put out very similar covers. The big difference actually being in the inside and back cover photos. The change was actually part of what fueled the "sellout" fire. On the Intense version, the classic Mortification logo was gone and replaced with a new logo that featured three swords in place of the crosses. The Nuclear Blast cover, which was released after the Intense version, had the classic logo back in place, although moved into the right corner. (Yes, I own both covers.) Blood World is a disc for thrash fans and a must for Mortification fans but is probably not the disc to use to introduce the band to a new listener.
Mortification/Tourniquet-Collector's
Edition CD Single (Intense) 1994
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TOURNIQUET MORTIFICATION |
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Mortification: (1994) |
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A cool little collector's split disc. Tourniquet being another of my favorite bands. However, the Mortification songs are all from "Blood World" and the Tourniquet songs all from "Vanishing Lessons." The Steve Rowe interview is taken from the "Live Planetarium" video. Ted Kirkpatrick's short interview being the only thing on here that is new. Probably not a disc for the casual fan of metal, but a true jem for the Mortification or Tourniquet collector, of which I am both.
Mortification-Primitive Rhythm Machine (Intense) 1995
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1. "Primitive Rhythm
Machine" (4:38) |
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Mortification: (1995) Additional musicians: Produced by George Ochoa |
Steve Rowe, the Lone Ranger. The only original member who trudges on in his metal crusade. Together with his "Blood World Tour" touring band and George Ochoa (ex-Deliverance/Recon) put out this thrash disc in a bit of a hurry. The production is a bit raw, or "primitive," if I might say so. Lots of tribal beats, and a sort of Sepultura-vibe. Favorite tunes "Gut Wrench" and "Mephibosheth," the latter still in the bands live set as of 1999."Providence" also features a short guest vocal section by ex-Recon vocalist Vett Roberts. Lyrics are very evangelistic in nature. A great disc that would sit well in any metal collection.
Mortification-Distarnished Priest (bootleg)
1. "Live Planetarium"
(4:58)
2. "Impulsation" (4:19)
3. "Destroyer Beholds" (3:22)
4. "Providence" (3:46)
5. "Gutwrench" (3:29)
6. "43:31" (3:55)
7. "Monks of the High Lord" (5:43)
8. "Northern Storm/Primitive Rhythm Machine" -in part (1:41)
Mortification: (1995)
Steve Rowe-bass, grind baritone vocals
Bill Rice-drums
Jason Campbell-rhythm guitars
As bootlegs go, this is slightly about average (B+). An audience recording that somehow became a cd. Mortification bootlegs are hard to find. I've been to dozens of CD shows and have only ever seen this one. A friend hooked me up with this one. Recorded live in Denver, CO 1995.
Soon after posting this site, I got a call from Steve Rowe who informed me that this show was recorded direct to dat tape, so I was wrong about the audience recording.
Mortification-The Best of Five Years (Intense) 1996
1. "Blood Sacrifice"
(3:36)
2. "New Beginnings" (2:37)
3. "The Destroyer Beholds" (3:19)
4. "The Majestic Infiltration of Order" (1:06)
5. "Nocturnal" (6:08)
6. "Scrolls of the Megilloth" (4:25)
7. "Grind Planetarium" (5:16)
8. "Distarnished Priest" (7:50)
9. "Brutal Warfare" -live (4:10)
10. "Time Crusader" -live (5:55)
11. "Blood World" (4:12)
12. "Your Life" (4:16)
13. "Primitive Rhythm Machine" (4:38)
14. "Mephibosheth" (3:47)
This one boasted two unreleased tracks ("Blood Sacrifice" & "New Beginnings"), but both of these tracks had been released on the "Break the Curse 1990" cd that Nuclear Blast had put out a few years earlier. I guess it was only available as an import, but I was bummed that this "best of " compilation didn't include at least the hard to find studio version of "Time Crusaders." At least the cover featured some cool photos and a discography. The songs are laid out in chronological order as well, which is kind of cool, as you can hear how Mortification changed over the years.
Forgot to mention that the studio version of "Time Crusaders" is available on Rowe's Godspeed Australian Metal Compilation. I think this is the only place, other than on MP3 format, that this song is available.
Mortification-EnVision EvAngeline (Nuclear Blast/Rowe Productions) 1996
|
1. "EnVision
EvAngeline" (18.49) |
EnVision EvAngeline photo shoot (1996) |
Mortification: (1996)
Steve Rowe-bass, vocals
Lincoln Bowen-guitars
Keith Bannister-drums
Produced by: Mark McCormick and Steve Rowe
Well, once again, with new band members comes a new sound. New indeed! This being my favorite Morty offering to date, I like the changes that were made. Steve Rowe now fully implementing his love for "true metal." Gone now were all traces of Mortification's death metal past, and back was Steve's initial vision of a classic metal/thrash band. The epic "EnVision EvAngeline," inspired by the likes of Iron Maiden 's epic numbers and especially Manowar's "Achilles, Agony and Ecstacy in Eight Parts," clocked in at over eighteen minutes. Galloping bass, killer guitar riffs and some of the best solos any Mortification guitarist has put forth thus far. This song alone would be worth the price of the disc, but wait...there are seven more delightful metal mosels to get you banging you head. "Noah was a Knower" is a speedy thrash song that uses a bit of humor to tell the story of Noah's obedience towards God. "Northern Storm" is one of the greatest songs Mortification has ever written. Incredible guitar riff! "Buried into Obscurity" is a cool groove metal number written by new drummer Keith Bannister.
The drum work is simplistic throughout the disc but well executed. This is actually the first band Keith had ever recorded with. At the time of the recording he had only been playing less than a year. Formerly he was a Mortification rodie for Australian tours.
The disc was released by three different companies, and with that there is slight differences in the artwork. In the U.S. Diamante released the disc with a plain black imprint on the cd and a bad moray in the cover art. The best copies are the Australian and German copies, released by Rowe Productions and Nuclear Blast respectively, with the gold and black ink print on the cd and far superior printing on the cover.
This is an incredible release that would fit well in any metal collection.
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1. "Mephiboseth"
(3:50) |
1. "EnVision
A Beginning" (2:10) |
Mortification: (1996)
Steve Rowe-bass, vocals
Lincoln Bowen-guitars
Keith Bannister-drums
Mixed by Mark McCormack and Steve Rowe
Metal, the way it was meant to be recorded, LIVE and RAW! Seriously, this is a live club recording-a few hundred screaming fans and a raw sound. Live recording by Phil Lake at "The Voice" nightclub, Feb. 3, 1996 on the "EnVision EvAngeline" Austalian tour that was titled, appropriately, "Live Without Fear Tour." Unlike the "Live Planetarium" disc, which had a big production at a large festival with big crowds, these two discs are more akin to what you would hear, should you attend a Mortification show. A nice array of songs from each album are present as well as some humor a la Steve Rowe. The NOAH cover art is done by former drummer Jayson Sherlock. Quite the title too, huh? If I could only have one of these, however, it would be the "Live Without Fear" disc as it is longer and has a better variety of songs. Both are cool discs for collector's of all things Mortification.
Mortificiation-Triumph of Mercy (Metal Blade/Rowe Productions) 1998
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1. "At War
With War" (4:54) |
 my copy of "Triumph of Mercy" |
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Mortification: (1998) Produced by: Mark McCormick and |
1998
Metal Blade Promotional Photo Steve Rowe with Ultimatum (1994) |
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 Steve Rowe on stage after a recent bought with Leukemia. |
Well, after almost losing Steve Rowe to Leukemia only a few short months earlier, I get a call from Steve telling me how excited he is about the new disc and US Tour. REAL soon after I hear a three song demo of songs Steve wrote from his hospital bed. Hmmm...for a man who was suppose to die several times and was told he would never walk, see, or play bass again, this demo sure sounded good. God did work a miracle in Steve as he was completely healed of this deadly disease. A good majority of the disc is about what Steve had gone through over the past year and a half. Musically, this disc was a slight return to the death metal past, but only slightly. Actually this disc is more akin to EnVision, which if you have read my review on EnVision, you know I like. This disc again continues with the classic metal influences and the thrash overtones. Once again we have a lengthy number, although not as lengthy as EnVision, in the titled track "Triumph of Mercy." The song is a detailed story of Steve's fight with his infirmity and the ultimate victory he had in trusting God. Other songs like "Drain Dweller," echo the snappy thrash songs off EnVision. Actually, if it hadn't been for the lyrics, I would never have known there was a two year gap between albums. "Influence" has some of the most convicting lyrics by any Christian band and is a great metal song.
The only downfall to this disc is that the production suffers a bit compared to the clean sound of EnVision. In an attempt to sound more raw, the production is a bit weaker. The bass is way out front and the guitars a bit buried. The drums as well are just not as crisp as on EnVision EvAngeline. This aside, however, this is a much recommended disc.
Mortification-Hammer of God (Metal Blade/Rowe Productions) 1999
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1. "Metal
Crusade" (7:15) |
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Mortification: (1999) Additional musicians: Produced and Engineered by: Mark McCormick |
1998
Metal Blade Promotional Photo |
Hammer of God comes out just short of a year after the release of "Triumph of Mercy." Once again, Mortification have gone for a classic metal sound, mixing in influnces of thrash and only a small portion of death metal. All the vocals this time around are clear. The guitar tones disc are by far better than any Morty disc from the past, however, Steve's signature bass sound is no longer present. Both the bass guitar and the bass drum are very buried in the guitar heavy mix. The first two cuts, "Metal Crusade" and "Martyrs" are two of the finest and most aggressive songs Mortification have written. Also included on this disc are the demo tracks from the "Triumph of Mercy" sessions as well as a medley of older material simply titled "Medley." This song is made up of "Lymphosarcoma" from Scrolls, "The Destroyer Beholds" from Mortification, "Distarnished Priest" from Post Momentary Affliction and "Love Song" from Blood World. Actually this is the same medley that the band played on their "Triumph of Mercy World Tour." "God Rulz" is an updated version of "The Majestic Infiltration of Order" from the self titled disc. Steve's son makes his vocal debut at the end of this song. A first for Mortification on this album is the use of a piano throughout the disc. Songs like"A Pearl" become beautiful metal songs due to the use of the piano. "D.W.A.M" or "Daniel was a Mosher," is a take-off of the "Noah was a Knower" track from EnVision EvAngeline. Short song cloking in at only 1.59. Overall, not the best Mortification disc, but a good one none-the-less. The first two tracks and the medley alone are worth the price of admission.
Mortification-10 Years Live Not Dead (Metal Blade/Rowe Productions) 1999
1. "Dead Man Walking"
(4:13)
2. "Buried Into Obscurity" (3:19)
3. "Medley" (7:50)
...."Lymphosarcoma"
...."The Destroyer Beholds
...."Distarnished
Priest"
...."Love Song"
4. "Martyrs" (6:32)
5. "Peace in the Galaxy" (6:10)
6. "Hammer of God" (3:47)
7. "Influence" (5:30)
8. "Steve Thanks" (1:06)
9. "Mephibosheth" (3:47)
10. "Chapel of Hope" (4:38)
11. "Liberal Mediocrity" (3:49)
12. "God Rulz" (1:55)
13. "King of Kings" (:40)
Mortification: (1999)
Steve Rowe-bass, vocals
Lincoln Bowen-guitars
Keith Bannister-drums
Produced and Engineered by: Mark McCormick
Live album number two, or four if you count the two eps. This album features mostly material from the last three albums and the medley that was released on "Hammer of God." There is one new song as well, ("Dead Man Walking") which sounds like it may have been left over from the "Hammer of God" sessions as the lyrics are once again about Steve's bout with sickness. "King of Kings," is a bit deceiving as it looks to be another new song, but is only a short section of Steve screaming "Jesus, Jesus" from the stage. This will be the last album for Keith Bannister as well.
Mortification-The Silver Chord is Severed (Nuclear Blast) 2001
| DISC ONE 1. "Metal Blessing" (4:51) 2. "Access Denied" (3:10) 3. "Hardware" (6:02) 4. "Bring the Joy" (3:40) 5. "Standing at the Door of Death" (4:13) 6. "Whom They Would Kill" (3:18) 7. "I Am a Revolutionary" (4:49) 8. "Forsake the Flesh" (4:01) 9. "Sensitive Nerve Endings" (3:44) 10. "The Silver Cord Is Severed" (8:12) |
DISC
TWO 1. "Dead Man Walking" (4:13) 2. "Buried Into Obscurity" (3:19) 3. "Medley" (7:50) ...."Lymphosarcoma" ...."The Destroyer Beholds ...."Distarnished Priest" ...."Love Song" 4. "Martyrs" (6:32) 5. "Peace in the Galaxy" (6:10) 6. "Hammer of God" (3:47) 7. "Influence" (5:30) 8. "Steve Thanks" (1:06) 9. "Mephibosheth" (3:47) 10. "Chapel of Hope" (4:38) 11. "Liberal Mediocrity" (3:49) 12. "God Rulz" (1:55) 13. "King of Kings" (:40) |
Mortification: (2001)
Steve Rowe-bass, vocals
Lincoln Bowen-guitars
Adam Zaffarese-drums
With the news of a new drummer who is much younger than the rest of the band, rumors were flying that Mortification were going to go into a more "modern" direction. (ie. hardcore) Well, I am happy to say that this was just not true. Steve Rowe and his league of cohorts are still flying the flag of heavy metal. With no disrespect intended to Keith at all, I have to say that new drummer Adam Zaffarese (say that three time fast!) kicks butt! There are a few songs that have a hint of hardcore attitude to them, espcially the Lincoln Bowen penned song "Access Denied." Steve seems to be incorporating some of his older, growlier vocals in the new album, which I think is a great idea. Overall, another solid metal platter by Mortification, although I have to say, "EnVision EvAngelene" and "Post Momentary" are still my favorites. It's hard for me to say anything negative about a band I have so much respect for, but I really think with each album after "EnVision," the songwriting has become simpler and the hooks are not as apparant. That being said, however, I still think there are some excellent moments on this disc. I should also mention that this double disc with "10 Years Live Not Dead" was released in Germany only. The US version is a single disc.
Death is Just the Beginning (Nuclear Blast) 1992
"Distarnished Priest" -studio Godspeed-Australian Metal Compilation (Rowe) 1994
Hard and Heavy from Down Under (Rugged) 1996
Videos:
Mortification (independant) 1992
Live Planetarium (Intense) 1994
EnVidion (Rowe) 1996
Videos Compilations:
Heaven's Metal Video Magazine
HM Video Magazine
Live Without Fear
Noah Sat Down and Listened to the Mortification Live EP While Having A
Coffee 