This is the most shitty album of a classic DM band i'vew ever heard. i know that it aint classic DM but it is still awfull for me even if that means that i am close-minded.

Written by Deadmeat on 26.08.2010 at 09:45

This is the most shitty album of a classic DM band i'vew ever heard. i know that it aint classic DM but it is still awfull for me even if that means that i am close-minded.

Finding something shitty does not mean one is close minded. Not listening to it and not giving it a proper chance and dismissing it beforehand IS being close minded.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 26.08.2010 at 10:09

Written by Deadmeat on 26.08.2010 at 09:45

This is the most shitty album of a classic DM band i'vew ever heard. i know that it aint classic DM but it is still awfull for me even if that means that i am close-minded.

Finding something shitty does not mean one is close minded. Not listening to it and not giving it a proper chance and dismissing it beforehand IS being close minded.

so after those you said the conclusion is that i am not at all close-minded as i have listened to this album many many many times and i didnt like not even a song, not even a moment of this album. probably it is about taste as there are some people who enjoy a lot this album but i think that almost all people say that this is not a masterpiece...

I really like this album myself. *shrugs* I prefer Testimony Of The Ancients (My fave Pestilence album), but Spheres certainly has its own charm, for me anyway. I can understand why some death metal fans wouldnt like it, as it is very different and quirky. lol I actually prefer Spheres to their latest album, which I find to be terribly generic and 1 dimensional. Most of the songs sound too similar to each other.

Written by Deadmeat on 26.08.2010 at 10:56

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 26.08.2010 at 10:09

Written by Deadmeat on 26.08.2010 at 09:45

This is the most shitty album of a classic DM band i'vew ever heard. i know that it aint classic DM but it is still awfull for me even if that means that i am close-minded.

Finding something shitty does not mean one is close minded. Not listening to it and not giving it a proper chance and dismissing it beforehand IS being close minded.

so after those you said the conclusion is that i am not at all close-minded as i have listened to this album many many many times and i didnt like not even a song, not even a moment of this album. probably it is about taste as there are some people who enjoy a lot this album but i think that almost all people say that this is not a masterpiece...

I totally love this album. Loved it back in the day when it was released and still love it today. I DO consider this album a masterpiece, on a par with Testimony Of The Ancients and a bit above Consuming Impulse. What they did on this album was so daring at the time. And I just love Jeroen Paul Thesseling's bass playing on here as well.

It was a very daring album for the times, and it probably cost the band their career. (At that time) The first time I heard it, I was perplexed and amazed at the same time. And it still has some killer riffs on it IMO. The only Pestilence album I slightly prefer over it, is Testimony...

Its a shame that they finished after Spheres, cos I think they had many more great albums still in them.

Written by Angelic Storm on 26.08.2010 at 11:40

It was a very daring album for the times, and it probably cost the band their career. (At that time) The first time I heard it, I was perplexed and amazed at the same time. And it still has some killer riffs on it IMO. The only Pestilence album I slightly prefer over it, is Testimony...

Its a shame that they finished after Spheres, cos I think they had many more great albums still in them.

They actually wrote this album as a big middle finger to the close minded death metal scene and its fans. Mameli wanted to go into a way more jazz direction, so he went overboard with this album so that RR would release the band from their roster, plus he really did hate 99% of the death metal scene fans. every chance he got he slagged them off in the metal media, and also sslagging off Chuck Schuldiner for being an asshole to other bands whom Death took on tour.
But of course Pestilence got their idea for this sort of music from Atheist and Cynic.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 26.08.2010 at 11:43
They actually wrote this album as a big middle finger to the close minded death metal scene and its fans. Mameli wanted to go into a way more jazz direction, so he went overboard with this album so that RR would release the band from their roster, plus he really did hate 99% of the death metal scene fans. every chance he got he slagged them off in the metal media, and also sslagging off Chuck Schuldiner for being an asshole to other bands whom Death took on tour.
But of course Pestilence got their idea for this sort of music from Atheist and Cynic.

Sadly, I am old enough to remember the stories about Patrick in the metal media. He was a known womaniser as well, if I recall, and it landed him in bother. He came across as a real idiot in the stories I read about him in metal mags in the early 90's. But boy could he make some great music. xD

That is very true that Cynic and Atheist did it first, but they were known as purveyors of that style of death metal, while Pestilence were not. It was a risk for Pestilence to go in that direction, because their other albums were more straight death metal. Although Testimony... was very melodic in places, and a step forward musically from the first 2 albums.

Personally, I like Consuming Impulse and Testimony of the Ancients more than Spheres, but that's me.

It totally beats Resurrection Macabre though, which is their worst effort yet.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 26.08.2010 at 11:43

Written by Angelic Storm on 26.08.2010 at 11:40

It was a very daring album for the times, and it probably cost the band their career. (At that time) The first time I heard it, I was perplexed and amazed at the same time. And it still has some killer riffs on it IMO. The only Pestilence album I slightly prefer over it, is Testimony...

Its a shame that they finished after Spheres, cos I think they had many more great albums still in them.

They actually wrote this album as a big middle finger to the close minded death metal scene and its fans. Mameli wanted to go into a way more jazz direction, so he went overboard with this album so that RR would release the band from their roster, plus he really did hate 99% of the death metal scene fans. every chance he got he slagged them off in the metal media, and also sslagging off Chuck Schuldiner for being an asshole to other bands whom Death took on tour.
But of course Pestilence got their idea for this sort of music from Atheist and Cynic.

why would you HATE your fans??? you know, i also dont like many things in the "classic metalhead" and i really am not that type of man, just because i dont think that people should act like monkeys in life (you know all metalheads wear black etc.... though i like sometimes to wear the t shirt of my fav band but in a logical way). but i think that it is really sick to hate your fans... i dont know, it sounds like a really sick situation. you know, he hates fans, but thats his work- he loves playing death metal and creating music but he hates his fans, but he has to play in front of them in order to earn money and it keeps on and on...

Written by Deadmeat on 26.08.2010 at 12:05
why would you HATE your fans??? you know, i also dont like many things in the "classic metalhead" and i really am not that type of man, just because i dont think that people should act like monkeys in life (you know all metalheads wear black etc.... though i like sometimes to wear the t shirt of my fav band but in a logical way). but i think that it is really sick to hate your fans... i dont know, it sounds like a really sick situation. you know, he hates fans, but thats his work- he loves playing death metal and creating music but he hates his fans, but he has to play in front of them in order to earn money and it keeps on and on...

Im the same, lots of metalheads are idiots, and come across as lacking intelligence. I think these are the ones that Patrick showed disdain for. Although I agree it is wrong to hate your fans. The people who are basically fuelling your career, and putting food on your table. The situation with Patrick is actually very similar to that of Michael Kiske. (he's from an entirely different genre of metal, but the comparison is still valid) He publicly denounced metal, and its fans in particular, and stopped playing music in that style. Though rather hypocritically, that hasnt stopped him from doing guest vocals on other band's metal albums through the years. Its a bit like Patrick, I guess. No matter what else he did musically, fans and media were only interested in what he did with Pestilence, which was a major reason for him resurrecting the band.

Written by Angelic Storm on 26.08.2010 at 12:16

Written by Deadmeat on 26.08.2010 at 12:05
why would you HATE your fans??? you know, i also dont like many things in the "classic metalhead" and i really am not that type of man, just because i dont think that people should act like monkeys in life (you know all metalheads wear black etc.... though i like sometimes to wear the t shirt of my fav band but in a logical way). but i think that it is really sick to hate your fans... i dont know, it sounds like a really sick situation. you know, he hates fans, but thats his work- he loves playing death metal and creating music but he hates his fans, but he has to play in front of them in order to earn money and it keeps on and on...

Im the same, lots of metalheads are idiots, and come across as lacking intelligence. I think these are the ones that Patrick showed disdain for. Although I agree it is wrong to hate your fans. The people who are basically fuelling your career, and putting food on your table. The situation with Patrick is actually very similar to that of Michael Kiske. (he's from an entirely different genre of metal, but the comparison is still valid) He publicly denounced metal, and its fans in particular, and stopped playing music in that style. Though rather hypocritically, that hasnt stopped him from doing guest vocals on other band's metal albums through the years. Its a bit like Patrick, I guess. No matter what else he did musically, fans and media were only interested in what he did with Pestilence, which was a major reason for him resurrecting the band.

i dont know if it right or wrong to hate your fans but surely it is really strange. generally i also despise some metalheads who THINK that they are different cause they are metalheads. i believe that though metal someone can become a better man (though he should ingore a huge ammount of things that can drive him in the opposite direction) but it is really not the easiest way to choose...

Written by Angelic Storm on 26.08.2010 at 12:16

Written by Deadmeat on 26.08.2010 at 12:05
why would you HATE your fans??? you know, i also dont like many things in the "classic metalhead" and i really am not that type of man, just because i dont think that people should act like monkeys in life (you know all metalheads wear black etc.... though i like sometimes to wear the t shirt of my fav band but in a logical way). but i think that it is really sick to hate your fans... i dont know, it sounds like a really sick situation. you know, he hates fans, but thats his work- he loves playing death metal and creating music but he hates his fans, but he has to play in front of them in order to earn money and it keeps on and on...

Im the same, lots of metalheads are idiots, and come across as lacking intelligence. I think these are the ones that Patrick showed disdain for. Although I agree it is wrong to hate your fans. The people who are basically fuelling your career, and putting food on your table. The situation with Patrick is actually very similar to that of Michael Kiske. (he's from an entirely different genre of metal, but the comparison is still valid) He publicly denounced metal, and its fans in particular, and stopped playing music in that style. Though rather hypocritically, that hasnt stopped him from doing guest vocals on other band's metal albums through the years. Its a bit like Patrick, I guess. No matter what else he did musically, fans and media were only interested in what he did with Pestilence, which was a major reason for him resurrecting the band.

Pestilence didn't make enough for him to eat off it. He had a regular full time job next to Pestilence. He didn't hate all metalfans just 99% of the death metal crowd who are thick and stupid and narrowminded. I actually got along swell with Patrick back in the day and even when we bump into each other now and again we have a good time. He is a great guy with a personality and hates sheep. he didn't denounce all metal just death metal at the time. And my God the scene back then was even more more moronice than the current brutal death metal scene.
But maybe the reason I get along with Mameli whenever we meet is cause I have the same outlook on most of the metal scene with its braindead morons.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 26.08.2010 at 12:28
Pestilence didn't make enough for him to eat off it. He had a regular full time job next to Pestilence. He didn't hate all metalfans just 99% of the death metal crowd who are thick and stupid and narrowminded. I actually got along swell with Patrick back in the day and even when we bump into each other now and again we have a good time. He is a great guy with a personality and hates sheep. he didn't denounce all metal just death metal at the time. And my God the scene back then was even more more moronice than the current brutal death metal scene.
But maybe the reason I get along with Mameli whenever we meet is cause I have the same outlook on most of the metal scene with its braindead morons.

Ive always wondered how some touring bands (who arent making enough from the music) can also have a full time job on the side. I guess they must have really understanding bosses that allow them to be flexible about when they work. Well, I do have to agree with Patrick about the thick, narrow minded and moronic metal fans. I also dislike sheep, (not just in metalheads, but in general life) So Im totally with him there. And it does seem that the more extreme the type of metal, the more morons you're likely to find within it. (I mean, that Diminished thread... lol) As for his personality, I dont know him, so I cant comment. I only know he was painted in a bad light in a lot of the early 90's metal publications. But I guess we all know most of them thrive on drama, and distorting the truth if needs be. It is very kewl that you know him personally, and from what you've said, it seems that I actually agree with him a lot on his views of metal, and death metal fans in particular.

Written by Angelic Storm on 26.08.2010 at 13:03

As for his personality, I dont know him, so I cant comment. I only know he was painted in a bad light in a lot of the early 90's metal publications. But I guess we all know most of them thrive on drama, and distorting the truth if needs be.

Like you said, but also metal mags back in that day were already glorifying Chuck and Patrick had the guts to speak out against Chuck and a lot of mags didn't like to see their hero being put in bad light I think. So that didn't help his cause either. Patrick just tells it like he sees it and isn't out there to make as many friends as possible. He couldn't/can't care less if people like him or not. maybe that's why I like the guy, cause in a lot of ways I am the same

The only metal mag I've read is Pro-Rock (still collect it). I've read Voices From the Dark Side interviews though, the Kam Lee interview cracked me up because he took the same thing only to a whole new level.

Written by vezzy on 26.08.2010 at 13:31

The only metal mag I've read is Pro-Rock (still collect it). I've read Voices From the Dark Side interviews though, the Kam Lee interview cracked me up because he took the same thing only to a whole new level.

Voices From The Dark generally has great interviews.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 26.08.2010 at 13:17
Like you said, but also metal mags back in that day were already glorifying Chuck and Patrick had the guts to speak out against Chuck and a lot of mags didn't like to see their hero being put in bad light I think. So that didn't help his cause either. Patrick just tells it like he sees it and isn't out there to make as many friends as possible. He couldn't/can't care less if people like him or not. maybe that's why I like the guy, cause in a lot of ways I am the same

I do recall reading something back then about Patrick harbouring bad blood towards Chuck, but I dont know, or cant remember, exactly what his problem with Chuck was. lol Though I do remember his outbursts about death metal fans, and reading of him randomly "groping" females, though how much of the latter story was true, or exaggerated, I dont know.

I am exactly the same. I just am who I am, and people can take me or leave me. If people dont like me, then thats their problem not mine. Too many people alter their true personalities, or compromise it because they want to be liked, or accepted. Which is very weak minded. Id rather be liked than disliked, but Id never change any part of my personality to ensure that. If somebody cant take me as I am, Id rather not be friends with them anyway.

Written by Angelic Storm on 26.08.2010 at 13:54


I do recall reading something back then about Patrick harbouring bad blood towards Chuck, but I dont know, or cant remember, exactly what his problem with Chuck was. lol

Really quite simple... the two bands toured together with Pestilence opening for Death. The first two nights Pestilence blew Death right off the stage. Chuck couldn't stand that and on all the subsequent nights Pestilence got horrendous sound and lighting and apparently Chuch saw to it that the Pestilence guys also got terrible food, plsu Patrick noticed Chuck treted his own band members like shit (something patirck btw never did, hence almost no line-up changes compared to Death's and Patrick still being friends with his former band members.)

Written by Angelic Storm on 26.08.2010 at 13:03

And it does seem that the more extreme the type of metal, the more morons you're likely to find within it.

imo it's not only that. it's also about the "cult" (i dont know exactly how you call it) that a genre carries. for example black metal is not more extreme than brutal death or grindcore, but i really believe that most of the black metal ULTRA-FANS are much more idiots than the fans of the other styles i've mentioned. you know, every kind of metal has it's "beliefs", black is mostly about satan when death is mostly about atheism. MOSTLY i repeat. then we have a black metal fan who listens all the time about satan etc. then if he isn't in the right age (or isnt enough smart) to distinguish his music preferences from his beliefs he may become a stupid moron... the same happens with DM fans ouf corse but i just believe that BM fans are just a bit more "stupid" -in the general way that we are talking about it...

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 26.08.2010 at 14:10

Written by Angelic Storm on 26.08.2010 at 13:54


I do recall reading something back then about Patrick harbouring bad blood towards Chuck, but I dont know, or cant remember, exactly what his problem with Chuck was. lol

Really quite simple... the two bands toured together with Pestilence opening for Death. The first two nights Pestilence blew Death right off the stage. Chuck couldn't stand that and on all the subsequent nights Pestilence got horrendous sound and lighting and apparently Chuch saw to it that the Pestilence guys also got terrible food, plsu Patrick noticed Chuck treted his own band members like shit (something patirck btw never did, hence almost no line-up changes compared to Death's and Patrick still being friends with his former band members.)

on the music side of his life IMO Chuck was GREAT, a mastermind and i think that no one can deny that. The most of his ideas where excellent and almost all of his songs have something to "tell you".
on the personal side of his life from all those you say (not only you but also other people as... mameli) it seems like he was a fucking BIG asshole. and you know something? i dont like that. really. but do you know something else? i can accept that: ONLY FOR ONE REASON THOUGH: because as the story shows he wasnt JUST an asshole doing what he wanted, insulting other people and bands and and and in order to feed his ego etc etc but he offered something to the music scene. he may have been an asshole (with other people) but at least he was "a good musician-asshole"..

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 26.08.2010 at 14:10
Really quite simple... the two bands toured together with Pestilence opening for Death. The first two nights Pestilence blew Death right off the stage. Chuck couldn't stand that and on all the subsequent nights Pestilence got horrendous sound and lighting and apparently Chuch saw to it that the Pestilence guys also got terrible food, plsu Patrick noticed Chuck treted his own band members like shit (something patirck btw never did, hence almost no line-up changes compared to Death's and Patrick still being friends with his former band members.)

Im wondering if this tour is the same one I saw... My first ever metal gig was Death headlining, and Carcass supporting. But Pestilence were the listed support band. Carcass only replaced them at the last minute, as visa issues meant (if my memory serves me right, it was Tony Choy specifically who had the visa problems) that Pestilence couldn't enter the UK at that time. Or at least visa issues was the official reason given for them not turning up. Im thinking now, that this might have just been a cover up for the real reason. lol

As for Chuck mistreating his band members, thats isnt too hard to believe, if you look at the lineup changes Death went through throughout the years. Which actually seems very similar to the situation with Megadeth and Dave Mustaine. And I think everyone knows what an asshole he is. lol I do know that Patrick was quite outspoken in an interview I read with him not that long ago, when Marco Foddis, and especially Martin Van Drunen were mentioned on the subject of Pestilence's comeback. Although I think his annoyance was due to the fact he felt Martin was not needed, as Pestilence had an even more established career once he took over vocals.

I was very pleased when I heard Patrik Uterwijk was returning to the band. I always thought he had a great guitar partnership with Patrick Mameli in the old days. I just hope their next album is better than Resurrection Macabre which I found to be very disappointing.

Written by Deadmeat on 26.08.2010 at 14:28
imo it's not only that. it's also about the "cult" (i dont know exactly how you call it) that a genre carries. for example black metal is not more extreme than brutal death or grindcore, but i really believe that most of the black metal ULTRA-FANS are much more idiots than the fans of the other styles i've mentioned. you know, every kind of metal has it's "beliefs", black is mostly about satan when death is mostly about atheism. MOSTLY i repeat. then we have a black metal fan who listens all the time about satan etc. then if he isn't in the right age (or isnt enough smart) to distinguish his music preferences from his beliefs he may become a stupid moron... the same happens with DM fans ouf corse but i just believe that BM fans are just a bit more "stupid" -in the general way that we are talking about it...

I think with thrash/death fans, its more a case of guys trying to act as "tough" as possible, and coming across like modern cavemen in the process. The more brutal metal genres seem to attract a lot of those types of people as fans. I can definitely tell the difference in crowd behaviour when I see a gig, depending on the genre of the band. Thrash/death shows I go to, seem to be awash with the type of fans I just mentioned.

I love this album.... at least the band had the balls to go into a different direction without giving a shit about TROO metal heads wanting the same album over and over again.... hats off to them for that.

This one gets boring with time.

Edit: I was wrong... again.

Pretty cool album, but it loses focus at times.