Hi-Fi Horror (Uncut Version)

VHS - Hi-Fi Horror (Uncut Version)
Horror Gore Pain Death

Hi-Fi Horror is the debut from Thunder Bay, Canada’s “horror-metal” band VHS. The lyrics (when understandable - which is fortunately infrequent) are sophomoric, even compared to gorecore bands like Autopsy, and the jokey quality they veer into doesn’t help. (Though, perhaps it’s absurd to consider Cannibal Corpse’s “Hammer Smashed Face” a serious song, while complaining about VHS’s “Hairspray and Bloodspray”?) In any case, VHS aptly proves the rule that originality is overrated. All of the songs on this record are derivative, but well executed. If you like raw thrash, unpolished songwriting, and guttural vocals, you’ll like this record. It’s a somewhat slavish homage to the late 80’s and early 90’s, but done well and it sounds fresh. RIYL: Iron Reagan, Autopsy, Morbid Angel.

FCC: none that I heard
Fave tracks: 9, 3, 4, 5


1. Fornicating in the Furniture Store 2:53 - Good riffs for both the opening and the chorus, some nice rhythmic changes.
2. Choke on It 0:24 - Short throwaway, but blends well into track 3
3. Weight Reduction Through Terror 1:50 - Driving and consistent
4. The Tastiest Chili in Texas 1:06 - Faster
5. When Sleeping Bag Meets Tree 1:41 - Funny intro, musically my favorite, stupid lyrics
6. Radioactive Rat Attack 0:37 - Should have been longer and better
7. Hairspray and Bloodspray 2:45 - Guitar sounds like an outtake from kill ‘em all
8. Possessed/Room 36 4:38 - A slow dirge, pretty heavy
9. There Shall Be Nights of Terror 2:37 - Slow, heavy, more “serious”, wish the production was better though