Album Review: Necrodeath – Defragments Of Insanity (Scarlet Records)

‘Defragments Of Insanity’ is the re-recording of Necrodeath’s legendary second album ‘Fragments Of Insanity’, originally released in 1989. This new version succeeds in keeping the original brutality and dark mood of the album intact, yet with the very distinctive approach of the current line-up of the band, the longest-standing in Necrodeath’s illustrious career.

‘Defragments Of Insanity’ follows the release of ‘The Age Of Dead Christ’, the latest collection of original material for Necrodeath, the 11th in their career, 33 years after their inception into the scene, when the now legendary demo tape ‘The Shining pentagram’ was released.

Considered a cult classic for decades, ‘Fragments Of Insanity’ is the quintessential Thrash/Black Metal album, an album that influenced many bands over the years and has been praised by fans and artists alike. And this new version will give younger fans a chance to own a piece of history that was no longer easy to find.

Being unfamiliar with the original recording, I have nothing to compare Defragments of Insanity beyond the multitude of thrash/death records we’ve had since 1989. It’s less about whether the album holds up/sounds fresher with the new production and more about whether it stands out as a quality metal album.

The answer is very straight-forward, just like Necrodeath’s boiling pot of heaviness is. Yes, Defragments of Insanity is a great metal album combining all the guitar hooks, riffs and speed of thrash with harsh death metal vocals and bursts of intensity.

From the savagery of Choose Your Death to the eye watering speed of State of Progressive Annihilation to the massive rhythms and hooks of Enter My Subconscious. It’s very easy to see why this album back in 1989 was so lauded. It’s eight bangers of thrash and death heaviness that doesn’t really put a foot wrong.

If you’re a fan already, you’re likely to love the clean and modern production of songs you already know so well. Whereas if, like me, you’re coming in with fresh eyes you’re likely to love the no-nonsense and high quality of Necrodeath’s brand of heavy f**ing metal.

Necrodeath – Defragments of Insanity Full Track Listing:

1. Choose Your Death
2. Thanatoid
3. State of Progressive Annihilation
4. Metempsychosis
5. Fragments of Insanity
6. Enter My Subconscious
7. Stillbirth
8. Eucharistical Sacrifice