Reviews list for Spread the Disease - Sheer Force of Inertia (1999)

Have you ever wondered if there are any bands you believe the new harsher extreme-core bands like Lorna Shore can't do without? One band almost has the potential of standing their historical ground, Spread the Disease! Their sophomore finale album The Sheer Force of Inertia has an interesting idea of adding black metal elements to metalcore/early deathcore, a bit like what Underoath did at that time. However, ambient/electronic elements have been added into the cauldron that can be frustrating...

Now while I have no problem with different sounds added in a metal style, the problem is the album's inconsistent structure. Only slightly over half of the album is real metal, and each of the 4 songs is surrounded by interludes, and killing off the intense energy. If it was up to me, I would edit the album so that only the songs would be in, while the interludes are taken out, but all we would have is an over 20-minute EP, because of that annoying Dead World Collusion-like sequence. That aside, the songs here have an awesome extreme progressive metalcore sound with black/death metal/hardcore triumph. Riff destruction, harsh vocals, and extreme production are all in violent chaos!

After the first sh*tty interlude, "The Electron Compulsion Theory" starts the action as a 9 and a half minute extreme metalcore epic highlight. Halfway through, things go soft and calm with didgeridoo and a background choir. Then we have an inevitable buildup back to the extreme. Honestly, the second interlude that follows should've been part of the end instead of separated. Never mind, at least "Responding to a Current Lack of Heat" continues the sound as heavy as This Day Forward at that time, maybe heavier.

The next couple full songs are good but don't reach the greatness of the first two. The final track would certainly be a laughingstock ending for this band, "Jesus Hotline Phone Call", an 8-minute series of prank calls.

OK, let me just clarify that the interludes are pleasant and calm at times, and can often be glitchy, but it's terrible that they're placed between each and every song, making even the open-minded confused. This band should've just released the 4 real songs as an EP. I would've loved their extreme progressive metalcore sound much more. I just hope the members of the band who have moved on to other bands realized would think of how they could've made this album better. It's f***ing clear what it is....

Favorites: "The Electron Compulsion Theory", "Responding to a Current Lack of Heat"