In 1997, Defiled became the first Japanese death metal band to get mixed at the world-famed Morrisound Recording studio in Tampa. It made sense, considering they took their blueprint from the Floridian scene’s major players, especially Monstrosity. The results were derivative, but full of energy and hunger. Now there’s nothing left to be saved. Horror Beyond Horror is confusing and frustrating. Hindered by weak production and the vocals and snare drums swallowing everything else, it piles riff upon riff without any logic. Shinichiro Hamada’s erratic vocal patterns and hoarse voice drag this messy and directionless mix of early DM and technical thrash down instead of lifting it up. ■■■
FOR FANS OF: Monstrosity, Sadus, Paths Of Possession