Xtreem Music return with a classic reissue of Dissect’s debut album Swallow Swouming Mass in a killer 2cd set.  This Holland based death metal act released this debut album some 20 years ago and it was overlooked by a lot of people, which is a shame, because it’s a kick ass record.  Sometimes presentation also has to do with the lack of press.  The album, most likely due to English not being their native language, has Swarming incorrectly spelled and the original album cover I never understood what the hell it was.  Some blob with tentacles.  However the reissue, keeps the same album name, but does a tremendous job upgrading the cover, looking more like a Dan Seagrave cover from that era. 

The entire 2 disc set is remastered and sounds brilliant.  The original album coming to light a lot more with the heavy guitars coming through nicely and double bass sounding menacing and organic.  No triggers here!  The band was not the tightest band on earth but they played a style similar to Gorefest, Autopsy and Grave.  Sludgy, heavy and real catchy stuff.  “Gals of the Eternal Solstice” comes through exceptional with the killer bass guitar part at the 5 minute mark.  “Z-Day’s” double bass drums really sound a lot more powerful with the remaster and the stop/start moments on the track to this day destroys city blocks far and wide.

Pretty much the rest of the tracks spread out across the discs are from their demos and are all earlier versions of what would appear on the full length.  Still heavy, a little uneven, however they sound wonderful.  I want to make special note of their 1997 Fragments demo that is included on here.  This 4 song demo was a departure from their earlier form of death metal and the band has more of a melo-death sound, alongside some Paradise Lost moments.  Good stuff with a crisp/punchy production, however I do prefer their earlier material more.  The reissue, while sporting an exceptional remaster, has a brilliant booklet to boot! (is that enough b’s in there for you?).  Biography, photos, band flyers and lyrics.  Really an outstanding reissue and you need to pick this up now.  Dissect reformed in 2012 so I’m curious as to the style they will continue with, the early 90’s or what was on the Fragments demo…hmm…time to hit them up for an interview, I think.

[Visit the band's website]

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