I bought this tape (as a mall-shopping teen) for two reasons:
Firstly, there was some mention of the band being an undeniable influence on Christian Death. At that point in my life, Christian Death (both the Rozz Williams stuff AND the Valor-fronted group) were a complete embodiment of everything lyrically and visually I’d wanted out of creepy heavy rock music.
Secondly, it was on the Enigma label – which, alongside sister imprint Metal Blade, was the reliable source of endlessly great music. It had to be good.
And it is. It’s screechy, melodic (and catchy!) punk rock that probably sounded a little “vintage” even at the time it was recorded – I think that’s part of their style. They also turn up the gloom at the end with the song “Wax”, which is a slow and mournful doom rock march which I think was waaay ahead of its time.
‘Autopsy‘ was a collection of alternate takes, unreleased stuff, a B-side…but it really holds together (at least as an introduction to 45 Grave) as a solid full length album. Since it’s out of print & not easy to find at all, here’s a RAR file that somebody posted of this awesome record. Check it out.
They’re not Christian Death sound-alikes by any means, plus they have a campy vibe that is quite endearing in a Munsters/Rocky Horror kind of way. And once you hear it, you will never forget the opening song “The Plan”.
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