House by the Cemetery (CD - Black Disc)

House by the Cemetery marks a key moment in MORTICIAN’s rise through the extreme metal underground. Released in 1995, it captures the duo honing the grisly formula that would later become their trademark while still retaining a raw spirit that sets it apart from their later, more polished works. What stands out most is how confidently MORTICIAN embraced their identity at this early stage, shaping a sound that feels both primitive and deliberate.

The production remains thick and punishing, coating every riff in a haze of distortion that borders on overwhelming. Yet the chaos has purpose. Beneath the buzzing guitar tone lie riffs that hit with immense weight, chugging forward with a sense of unstoppable force. The drum programming is direct and forceful, giving the music a mechanical power that complements the cavernous growls delivered by Will Rahmer. His vocal approach pushes the limits of low-end brutality, turning each line into a deep, subterranean roar that becomes one of the defining strengths of the release.

The horror samples, placed at the beginning of key tracks, heighten the atmosphere and tie the record to the cult films that inspired the band. Rather than feeling like filler, the samples serve as mood-setting preludes that pull the listener deeper into MORTICIAN’s grisly world. When the band launches into full intensity, the shift from cinematic dread to crushing death metal feels striking and effective.

Two covers add extra flavor while showcasing MORTICIAN’s ability to reshape classics into their own monstrous form. Their take on “Procreation of the Wicked” becomes a heavyweight tribute, driven by thicker tones and a slower, more punishing gait. The cover of “Scum” explodes with vicious energy and feels like a natural fit for their grind-leaning approach. Both moments demonstrate that MORTICIAN’s vision works equally well with outside material.

What makes House by the Cemetery so enjoyable is its commitment to pure extremity. The songs are concise and direct, packed with grooves, blasts, and doom-laden slow sections that keep the momentum deadly and engaging. It is a release that understands its audience and delivers exactly what a fan of down-tuned, horror-obsessed death metal hopes to find.

For those who appreciate the raw side of MORTICIAN, this record stands as a defining pillar. It is heavy, grim, atmospheric, and uniquely entertaining. House by the Cemetery succeeds as both an introduction to the band’s style and a standout release in their discography. Any fan of brutal, horror-soaked death metal will find plenty to enjoy in this landmark recording.