CoC : Altar - In the Name of the Father : Review

Altar - _In the Name of the Father_
(Pavement Music, 2000)
by: Aaron McKay (6.5 out of 10)

Don't be thrown by what could be construed as a lower marking on this release. Launching their savagery from Holland, Altar pours forth some truly malevolent and spiteful offerings on this, the band's fourth release. For the most part, I very much agree with the comments expressed by my colleague Adrian Bromley in CoC #33, when he reviewed _Provoke_. Altar's sound is as metal as you'd want it to be, sounding somewhat like subdued or suppressed _Harmony Corruption_-era Napalm Death. The band has a truly well put together sound showcased no better place on the record than on a couple of back-to-back tracks, namely "I Spit Black Bile on You" and "Hate Scenario". As I understand things, after parting company with Displeased Records, Altar took matters into their own hands when making _ItNotF_ before ever firming up a deal with Pavement. Pavement added two extra cuts to this release, "I Am Your New Provider" and a cover of the classic "The Trooper", by Iron Maiden. Looking directly at this effort, Altar clearly has nothing to be ashamed of; the album is powerful. At the same time, I can honestly say the material included on _ItNotF_ is mostly forgettable, with the aforementioned couple of songs being the exceptions. Were this a spectacular release, I would say subjugate yourself to the will of Altar, but as things are, I might only advise visiting their sanctuary for a brief sermon before joining the congregation.

(article published 12/8/2000)

CHATS
12/8/2000	A McKay	Altar: The Shrine Unshrouded

ALBUMS
1/9/1998	A Bromley	6	Altar - Provoke
17/7/1996	A Bromley	7	Altar - Altar