Reek of Putrefaction cover

Reek of Putrefaction

Carcass · 1988

39 min · 22 tracks · death metal · melodic death metal · grindcore

A relentless barrage of visceral soundscapes, blending guttural growls with chaotic instrumentation that defines grindcore's early days.

Why this album works

'Reek of Putrefaction' is a seminal record in the grindcore genre, influencing countless bands and establishing Carcass as pioneers of goregrind. The album's graphic content led to censorship issues and discussions around artistic expression in extreme music, elevating its status within metal culture.
Best for
short, intense listening bursts chaotic energy and aggression relentless sonic onslaught
Context
Released on July 28, 1988, 'Reek of Putrefaction' was Carcass's debut album, marking their entry into the death metal scene. At this point, they were a nascent force in the UK's extreme music landscape, rapidly gaining notoriety for their unique blend of gore-themed lyrics and aggressive musicality.
Stylistic neighbors
Gutalax· Impaled· Napalm Death

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Genital Grinder Standout 1:32
  • 2 Regurgitation of Giblets Standout 1:24
  • 3 Maggot Colony 1:37
  • 4 Pyosisified (Rotten to the Gore) 2:55
  • 5 Carbonized Eye Sockets 1:11
  • 6 Frenzied Detruncation 0:59
  • 7 Vomited Anal Tract 1:45
  • 8 Festerday 0:22
  • 9 Fermenting Innards 2:35
  • 10 Excreted Alive 1:21
  • 11 Suppuration 2:19
  • 12 Foeticide Standout 2:46
  • 13 Microwaved Uterogestation 1:24
  • 14 Feast on Dismembered Carnage 1:27
  • 15 Splattered Cavities 1:54
  • 16 Psychopathologist 1:18
  • 17 Burnt to a Crisp 2:43
  • 18 Pungent Excruciation 2:31
  • 19 Manifestation of Verrucose Urethra 1:02
  • 20 Oxidised Razor Masticator 3:12
  • 21 Mucopurulence Excretor 1:09
  • 22 Malignant Defecation 2:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata