Quantum Catastrophe
| Quantum Catastrophe | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | May 11, 2010 | |||
| Recorded | December 2009 – January 2010 at Castle Ultimate Studios in Oakland, California, United States | |||
| Genre | Technical death metal | |||
| Length | 41:49 | |||
| Label | Metal Blade | |||
| Producer | Brain Drill, Zach Ohren | |||
| Brain Drill chronology | ||||
| ||||
Quantum Catastrophe is the second studio album by American technical death metal band Brain Drill, released through Metal Blade on May 11, 2010.[1] After the release of their debut album Apocalyptic Feasting in February 2008, the band almost broke up with the departure of drummer Marco Pitruzzella and bassist Jeff Hughell in March 2008.[2][3][4] The remaining members, guitarist Dylan Ruskin and vocalist Steve Rathjen decided to continue with the band, and from May to September 2008, auditioned for bassists and drummers.[5][6] In September 2008, the band announced drummer Joe Bondra and bassist Ivan Munguia as replacements.[6][7] Bondra was replaced by drummer Ron Casey and this new lineup began work on the album in August 2009.[8] Quantum Catastrophe was recorded between December 2009[9] and January 2010[10] at Castle Ultimate Studios in Oakland, California with co-producer Zach Ohren (Suffocation, Decrepit Birth, All Shall Perish), who also engineered and mastered the album along with the band. It is the only album to feature bassist Ivan Munguia and drummer Ron Casey. It is also the last album to feature vocalist Steve Rathjen[11]
Although Quantum Catastrophe is not a concept album, it's loosely based on the 2012 phenomenon.[4] The album's lyrics were written by vocalist Steve Rathjen, inspired by themes such as "Universal decimation (black holes, galactic cosmic radiation), pandemic disease and zombie re-awakenings."[11] Rathjen further explained that "mankind is entering an age of mass speculation as foreseen by numerous ancient cultures. Space to all humanity still primarily remains a mystery even in our days of immense technological advancements. We know this void is filled with infinite extremities which could occur at any instant; easily decimating all habitations. We also know our planet has fulfilled these mass extinctions time and again centuries in the past. The question which remains, are we due for another apocalyptic transition?"[11] Musically, Brain Drill continues to draw the attention of music critics with its over-the-top virtuosity.[12][13] Allmusic stated that Quantum Catastrophe is "in its own vicious, bombastic, skullcrushing way, [...] a celebration of virtuosity."[12] In contrast, The A.V. Club defined the album as "an incoherent mess of doodly-doo," and pointed out that "the band's survival is a bad thing."[14]
Track listing
[edit]All songs written and composed by Steve Rathjen, Dylan Ruskin, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Obliteration Untold" | 3:46 |
| 2. | "Beyond Bludgeoned" | 4:16 |
| 3. | "Awaiting Imminent Destruction" (Ivan Munguia, Rathjen, Ruskin) | 2:51 |
| 4. | "Nemesis of Neglect" | 4:28 |
| 5. | "Entity of Extinction" | 3:46 |
| 6. | "Mercy to None" (Munguia, Rathjen, Ruskin) | 3:14 |
| 7. | "Monumental Failure" | 3:25 |
| 8. | "Quantum Catastrophe" | 16:03 |
| Total length: | 41:49 | |
Personnel
[edit]- Steve Rathjen – vocals, lyricist, composer
- Dylan Ruskin – bass, guitar, lyricist, composer
- Ivan Munguia – bass, guitar, composer
- Ron Casey – drums
- Zach Ohren – engineer, mastering, mixing, producer
- Pär Olofsson – cover art
- Brian Ames – layout
References
[edit]- ^ "Brain Drill release tracklisting for Quantum Catastrophe". BW&BK. March 17, 2010. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
- ^ "Brain Drill break up". BW&BK. March 20, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ^ "Brain Drill to carry on". BW&BK. April 8, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ^ a b Harris, Chris (May 4, 2010). "Brain Drill enjoy Entombed, enema porn". Noisecreep. AOL. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ^ "Brain Drill trying out new drummers". BW&BK. May 30, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ^ a b "Brain Drill introduce new drummer, auditioning bassists". BW&BK. September 2, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ^ "Brain Drill announce new bassist". BW&BK. September 11, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ^ "Brain Drill is currently writing their sophomore record". BW&BK. August 5, 2009. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ^ "Brain Drill finish recording new album". BW&BK. December 16, 2009. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ^ "Brain Drill completes work on Quantum Catastrophe". BW&BK. January 19, 2010. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ^ a b c Wiederhorn, Jon (April 2, 2010). "Brain Drill, 'Quantum Catastrophe' featuring interview". Noisecreep. AOL. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
- ^ a b Henderson, Alex. "Quantum Catastrophe review". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 18 May 2010.
- ^ Marsicano, Dan. "Quantum Catastrophe review". About.com. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on May 20, 2010. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ^ Pierce, Leonard (May 12, 2010). "Metal Box: New, but not improved". The A.V. Club. The Onion. Archived from the original on May 15, 2010. Retrieved 18 May 2010.
