The Essence of Murder by Response Negative: A Brutal Sonic Assault That Sticks With You
Alright, let’s dive into The Essence of Murder, the 2015 release from US-based Response Negative. If you’re a fan of raw, unfiltered rock with veins of death metal and thrash coursing through its body, this album is gonna hit like a freight train. Released independently under "Not On Label," it’s got that DIY grittiness that screams authenticity. And trust me, when Dan Ortega and Ed Miller jump in on backing vocals for tracks 8 and 9, things get even wilder.
Now, I gotta say, this isn’t your polished, radio-friendly rock record—it’s messy, heavy, and dripping with attitude. Tracks like The Essence Of Murder kick things off with an explosive bang, setting the tone for what feels like a blood-soaked journey through chaos. But if I had to pick two standout moments? Easy—Metal Church (Metal Church Cover) and Bloodlust. Let me tell ya why these stuck in my brain like gum on a hot sidewalk.
First up, their cover of Metal Church. It’s bold as hell to take on such a legendary track, but Response Negative doesn’t just phone it in—they rip it apart and rebuild it with their own twisted DNA. The riffs are chunkier, the vocals gnarlier, and there’s this relentless energy that makes you wanna headbang until your neck snaps. Like, damn, they didn’t just pay homage; they made it theirs. Respect.
Then there’s Bloodlust. Holy crap, this one hits different. From the opening notes, it’s clear you’re stepping into some dark territory. The guitar work here is razor-sharp, slicing through the mix like a machete hacking through jungle vines. And those growls? Pure primal rage. What sticks with me most is how the song builds—slow at first, almost teasing you, then BAM! It explodes into this frenzied assault that leaves you breathless. By the end, I was half-convinced I needed to check my pulse.
Other tracks like Cursed Womb and A Gruesome Path keep the intensity cranked high, while cuts like Reborn Through Purity showcase a more melodic side without losing the edge. Even the closer, I Am The Future, slams the door shut with enough force to rattle your speakers.
So yeah, The Essence of Murder ain’t perfect. Some transitions feel rough around the edges, and not every track lands with the same punch. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. This album doesn’t try to be something it’s not—it’s raw, real, and brutally honest. Listening to it feels like getting punched in the gut by someone who genuinely cares about the art form.
And here’s the kicker: after spinning this record, I couldn’t help but think—what if horror movies used songs like Bloodlust in their soundtracks? Imagine Jason Voorhees stomping through the woods to this tune. Goosebumps, right?
Final verdict? If you dig death metal and thrash with zero apologies, grab yourself a copy of The Essence of Murder. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start complaining.
