The Making of Altars of Madness by Morbid Angel

Introduction

Released on May 12, 1989, Altars of Madness by Morbid Angel stands as a cornerstone in the evolution of death metal, often hailed as one of the most influential albums within the genre. The album’s raw energy, technical proficiency, and thematic depth have left an indelible mark on the music industry, setting a new standard for extreme metal. As the debut studio album from this Florida-based band, it showcased a ferocity and complexity that was groundbreaking at the time. In this article, we will explore the genesis of the album, its recording process, commercial performance, critical reception, and enduring legacy.

Despite its lack of mainstream chart success, Altars of Madness has been revered for its innovation and intensity, earning a place in the hearts of metal fans and musicians alike. Guitarist Trey Azagthoth once remarked, “I wanted to write stuff that would make other bands run and hide.” Such sentiments underscore the album’s intent to push boundaries and redefine what metal could achieve.

The Genesis of “Altars of Madness”

In the late 1980s, the metal scene was rapidly evolving, with bands experimenting with faster tempos and darker themes. Morbid Angel, formed in 1983, was at the forefront of this movement. Prior to Altars of Madness, the band had recorded Abominations of Desolation in 1986, which was not released until 1991 due to dissatisfaction with the final product. This experience, however, laid the groundwork for their official debut.

The band’s lineup for Altars of Madness included Trey Azagthoth on guitars, David Vincent on bass and vocals, Richard Brunelle on guitars, and Pete Sandoval on drums. Each member brought a unique style that contributed to the album’s distinct sound. The songwriting was primarily handled by Azagthoth and Vincent, with their collaboration resulting in a record that was both technically demanding and thematically cohesive.

The album title, Altars of Madness, reflects the chaotic and dark themes explored within the music. The cover art, created by Dan Seagrave, is a visual representation of these themes, depicting a disk of fossil material capturing souls. The artwork and title together encapsulate the album’s exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.

Financed by Combat Records and Earache Records, the album faced financial constraints typical of extreme metal bands of the era. Despite a modest budget, the band utilized Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, a studio renowned for its work with metal bands, to achieve a sound that was both raw and polished.

Recording Process

The recording of Altars of Madness took place in December 1988 at Morrisound Recording, a studio synonymous with the death metal genre. Known for its innovative recording techniques, Morrisound provided the perfect environment for capturing the intensity of Morbid Angel’s sound. The studio was equipped with advanced technology for the time, including a Solid State Logic console and a variety of high-quality microphones.

The sessions were led by producer Dig and the band itself, with engineering by Tom Morris. The studio’s reputation for excellence in heavy metal production was well-established, having hosted bands like Death and Cannibal Corpse. The recording process was intense, with the band striving to capture their live energy on tape. Despite challenges such as the oppressive Florida heat affecting equipment, the sessions were completed in a mere eight days.

Dig produced a number of albums, and below is a table listing some of these works, excluding Altars of Madness:

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, Altars of Madness achieved significant underground success, selling over 150,000 copies in its first year. While it did not chart on the Billboard 200, the album was celebrated as a groundbreaking work in extreme metal, recognized for its aggressive sound and technical prowess.

The competitive landscape of 1989 saw the release of several other significant metal albums, such as Beneath the Remains by Sepultura and Practice What You Preach by Testament. These albums, while commercially successful, did not receive the same level of critical acclaim as Altars of Madness, which was hailed for its innovative approach and lasting influence on the genre.

• Beneath the Remains by Sepultura [500,000]
• Practice What You Preach by Testament [300,000]

Over the years, Altars of Madness has been inducted into the Decibel Hall of Fame and has appeared at the top of lists for the greatest death metal albums by publications such as Decibel and Terrorizer. Its influence is evident in the work of countless bands that followed, cementing its status as a seminal release in metal history.

Singles and Track Analysis

The album’s singles, including “Immortal Rites” and “Chapel of Ghouls,” were well-received for their complexity and intensity. The tracks were praised for their intricate riffs and dark lyrical themes, showcasing Morbid Angel’s technical prowess and thematic depth.

Note: “Immortal Rites” and “Chapel of Ghouls” were released as singles.

Influences and Legacy

Morbid Angel drew inspiration from a variety of sources when creating Altars of Madness. Influences included bands like Slayer and Venom, as well as the burgeoning death metal scene in Florida. The album’s sound also reflects the band’s interest in the darker aspects of humanity, with lyrical themes exploring chaos and destruction.

The year 1989 was a pivotal one globally, marked by significant events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Tiananmen Square Massacre. These events, along with others, reflected a world in turmoil, mirroring the themes explored in Altars of Madness.

Five Things about Altars of Madness

Here are five intriguing facts about Altars of Madness that highlight its significance and impact:

Media and Television Usage

While Altars of Madness is primarily celebrated within the metal community, its influence has reached other media. However, specific uses of its songs in movies or television shows have not been documented extensively.

We were unable to find any uses of songs from this album in known media.

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

Critics have consistently praised Altars of Madness for its innovative approach and lasting impact on the death metal genre. Publications such as AllMusic and MetalSucks have lauded its aggressive sound and technical proficiency.

After Altars of Madness

Following the release of Altars of Madness, Morbid Angel continued to innovate within the death metal genre. Their subsequent album, Blessed Are the Sick, released in 1991, further solidified their status as pioneers of extreme metal. Over the years, the band has undergone several lineup changes, impacting their sound and direction.

As of October 21, 2024, Morbid Angel remains active, continuing to tour and release new material. Their influence on the metal genre is undeniable, with a legacy that has inspired countless bands and musicians.

Remasters and Reissues

The enduring popularity of Altars of Madness has led to several remasters and reissues over the years, allowing new generations of fans to experience its raw power and intensity.

Conclusion

Over three decades since its release, Altars of Madness continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike. Its impact on the death metal genre is profound, influencing countless bands and setting a benchmark for extreme metal. The album’s raw energy, technical proficiency, and thematic depth ensure its place as a timeless classic.

Further Reading

• The Making of Blessed Are the Sick by Morbid Angel (Blog Article)
• The Making of Left Hand Path by Entombed (Blog Article)
• The Making of Clandestine by Entombed (Blog Article)
• Wikipedia page for “Altars of Madness”
• Official Morbid Angel website
• Earache Records website

Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on Altars of Madness by Morbid Angel. Did we miss anything? Share your experiences and join the conversation!