Starting off we have...
Altars of Madness is Morbid Angel's first Official Album since their original first album : Abominations of Desolation" was deemed by the band to be not good enough. One of the first things that I started noticing by beginning this challenge is that the early death metal bands all have a very strong Hardcore/ punk influence. This is audible in terms of attitude, production and frankly the riffs themselves. At this particular point in time, speed was such a big priority that it basically didn't matter if it sounded death metal or punk just as long as it was EXTREME!!
"Immortal Rites" was actually one of the very first death metal songs I ever heard. The ethereal vocals and evil seance atmosphere really piqued the interest of my high school self. Even still I think the "spooky" is a big part of the draw to Altars of Madness, with a lot of songs heavily using flanger/phaser effects and also the solos which although very rooted in the slayer tradition(Speed>everything), have a unique sound that makes them sound like spirits trying to cross over into this realm...or something. Let's not forget how into H.P. Lovecraft/ the Necronomicon these dudes were... See the name "Trey Azagthoth"
I would not consider Morbid Angel Techdeath, however the influence of their music, inluding this album is undeniable when you consider the labyrinthine guitar riffs, fast double bass and even certain moments of headiness such as the polyphonic guitar harmonies on "Visions From The Darkside"
David Vincent's bass is satisfactory if nothing too special and you can really hear that evil fuzzy pick tone he has during the little bass break on "Suffocation"
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