MORGOTH - The Eternal Fall 12" VINYL EP

In the murky depths of the late 80s, when death metal was still clawing its way out of the underground, MORGOTH emerged from the bombed-out ruins of post-war Germany, their 1989 EP, "The Eternal Fall", serving as a visceral testament to the genre's raw power and bleak worldview.

Unlike their American counterparts, who often reveled in gore and splatter, MORGOTH channeled a more existential dread, their music reflecting the anxieties of a nation still grappling with its dark past. This wasn't just music for headbanging; it was a sonic exorcism, a guttural scream against the void.

"The Eternal Fall" was a sonic maelstrom, a relentless assault of buzzsaw guitars, thunderous drums, and Marc Grewe's tortured vocals. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't polished, but it was undeniably powerful. Tracks like the title track and "Cursed" were like aural nightmares, their dissonant riffs and pummeling rhythms creating a sense of suffocating claustrophobia. The EP's raw intensity and dark atmosphere quickly resonated with fans of extreme metal, establishing MORGOTH as a rising force in the burgeoning German death metal scene.

MORGOTH weren't afraid to experiment either. "Lost in Time" incorporated eerie keyboard melodies, adding a layer of gothic atmosphere to their already bleak sound. This willingness to push boundaries, a defining characteristic of the German death metal scene, set them apart from their more formulaic American counterparts. The EP's blend of aggression and atmosphere showcased the band's musical versatility, hinting at the progressive elements that would later emerge in their sound.

Of course, no discussion of MORGOTH would be complete without mentioning the controversy surrounding their lyrics. Some accused them of glorifying violence and even harboring neo-Nazi sympathies. The band vehemently denied these accusations, claiming their lyrics were meant to be interpreted metaphorically, reflecting the darkness lurking within the human psyche. This controversy, while ultimately unfounded, fueled the band's notoriety and contributed to their growing popularity in the underground metal scene.

Whether you believe them or not, there's no denying the impact "The Eternal Fall" had on the death metal scene. It was a raw, unfiltered expression of rage and despair, a sonic middle finger to a world teetering on the brink of chaos. The EP's unflinching exploration of dark themes and its relentless sonic assault captured the zeitgeist of a generation disillusioned with the status quo.

Produced by the legendary Harris Johns (who also worked with Sodom, Kreator, and Voivod) and recorded at Musiclab Studio in Berlin, "The Eternal Fall" captured the raw energy of MORGOTH's live performances. Johns' signature sound, with its emphasis on crunchy guitars and thunderous drums, perfectly complemented the band's aggressive style. The EP's powerful production further solidified its status as a landmark release in the early days of death metal.

While MORGOTH would go on to achieve even greater success with their debut album, "Cursed", "The Eternal Fall" remains a landmark release in the history of death metal. It's a snapshot of a band in their infancy, still honing their sound but already brimming with potential. The EP's influence can still be felt today, inspiring countless bands to push the boundaries of extreme metal.

So, is "The Eternal Fall" a death metal masterpiece, or just another brick in the wall? That's for you to decide. But one thing's for sure: it's a testament to the enduring power of extreme music, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there's still room for catharsis and rebellion.