Bloodcum - Death By A Clothes Hanger 12" LP Vinyl ALbum

Rising from the grimy depths of Los Angeles' burgeoning metal scene in 1986, Bloodcum's debut and sole full-length studio album, "Death by a Clothes Hanger," was a raw and unapologetic assault on the senses. A sonic middle finger to societal norms, this 12" LP captured the band's crude energy and nihilistic worldview in a whirlwind of speed and thrash.

Historical Context

Emerging in the mid-80s, "Death by a Clothes Hanger" was a product of its time. The L.A. metal scene was exploding, fueled by bands like Slayer, Metallica, and Megadeth. Bloodcum, however, occupied a different niche, channeling a more visceral and primal aggression. Their music was a reflection of the urban decay and social unrest brewing beneath the surface of the glamorous Hollywood facade.

Musical Exploration

Bloodcum's musical approach was a relentless barrage of distorted guitars, pounding drums, and guttural vocals. Their songs, often short and to the point, were a whirlwind of chaotic energy. The lyrics, delivered in a raw growl, explored themes of violence, death, and societal decay, leaving little to the imagination.

The album opens with "Happily Married," a sarcastic ode to domestic bliss gone wrong, setting the tone for the nihilistic onslaught that follows. "Son of Sam" delves into the mind of a serial killer, while "Live to Kill" is a violent anthem about the thrill of the hunt. "Good Hearted Man" is a twisted take on morality, and "Treatment of Death" explores the macabre fascination with death and decay.

The album's title track, "Death by a Clothes Hanger," is a prime example of Bloodcum's sonic brutality. The song's relentless tempo and abrasive riffs create a sense of impending doom, while the lyrics paint a graphic picture of suicide. Other standout tracks include "Belligered Youth," a furious attack on authority, and "Harrassment by Farm Animals," a bizarre and unsettling interlude.

Genre and Controversies

"Death by a Clothes Hanger" firmly planted Bloodcum in the speed/thrash metal genre, a subgenre known for its fast tempos and aggressive sound. However, the band's lyrical content pushed boundaries, courting controversy and drawing accusations of promoting violence and obscenity. Their music was a deliberate provocation, designed to shock and offend.

Production and Recording

The album was recorded in a small, dingy studio in the heart of L.A.'s underground music scene. The production values were raw and unpolished, reflecting the band's DIY ethos. The result was a sound that was both visceral and authentic, capturing the raw energy of their live performances.