LIERS IN WAIT – SPIRITUALLY UNCONTROLLED ART

Back in the early 90s, most of Sweden’s death metal bands had yet to truly break out, with the exception of Entombed and a handful of others getting decent signings (Grave, Dismember, Unleashed). Not sure we can classify Liers in Wait as a ‘super’ group due to the fact that its members’ constituent bands were not yet massive at the time, but in retrospect, the enormous talent that went into this sole EP recording would classify it in that category. The material actually carried a huge influence from faster USDM bands like Morbid Angel, Deicide and Malevolent Creation, spiced up with some frenetic, cosmic and philosophical atmosphere, lyrics rooted deeply in the mythos of H.P. Lovecraft. Spiritually Controlled Art is only 17 minutes long but is a fine example of how bands were taking the pure death metal strains from both shores and twisting them into novel formulas. The mix of cosmic, cerebral horror and violent, proficient death metal might not seem so novel anymore, but Liers in Wait were one of the first to make it stick, albeit briefly. This effort is a good leap short of legendary, but its qualities yearn to be experienced by anyone seeking those dimly glowing gems of 90s potential. First edition of 350 copies on black vinyl (5 tracks on side A, side B is an etching).