The Thing That Should Not Be - A Symphony of Oceanic Terror and Melodic Brutality

Emerging from the churning depths of Lovecraftian horror comes “The Thing That Should Not Be,” a monumental track by American death metal pioneers, Morbid Angel. Released in 1989 as part of their seminal album Altars of Madness, this seven-minute sonic odyssey delves into the chilling unknown, weaving a tapestry of relentless blast beats, guttural vocals, and dissonant melodies that evoke a sense of cosmic dread unlike anything else in the genre.

Morbid Angel’s origins can be traced back to Tampa, Florida, in the mid-1980s. Founded by guitarist Trey Azagthoth and vocalist/bassist David Vincent, they quickly established themselves as pioneers of the death metal scene with their complex song structures, technical proficiency, and uncompromising brutality.

The band’s lineup for Altars of Madness was solidified with the addition of drummer Pete Sandoval and guitarist Richard Brunelle. This quartet would go on to create a masterpiece that remains influential to this day, pushing the boundaries of extreme music and setting a new standard for aggression and technicality.

“The Thing That Should Not Be,” named after a chilling short story by H.P. Lovecraft, perfectly encapsulates the band’s approach to death metal. The song opens with a haunting intro, featuring distorted guitars that mimic the swirling depths of an abyssal ocean. Sandoval’s drumming enters with thunderous force, propelling the song forward at breakneck speed.

Azagthoth’s riffs are intricate and unpredictable, weaving through dissonant harmonies and complex chord progressions. The track oscillates between frenetic blast beats and slower, more atmospheric passages, creating a dynamic sense of tension and release. Vincent’s guttural vocals growl with a chilling intensity, invoking the image of an unspeakable entity rising from the depths.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Lovecraftian horror, describing a monstrous creature from beyond reality:

“A form it takes, unseen, From sunken depths, obscene.”

These lines capture the essence of Lovecraft’s cosmic dread, hinting at the existence of ancient and unknowable forces that lie beyond human comprehension.

The song’s structure is unconventional, defying traditional verse-chorus patterns. Instead, it flows organically, transitioning seamlessly between different musical themes and tempos. This creates a sense of constant movement and unpredictability, mirroring the chaotic nature of the creature being invoked.

“The Thing That Should Not Be” is not just an aggressive death metal track; it’s a complex musical composition that showcases the band’s technical prowess and ability to create atmosphere. The interplay between Azagthoth’s intricate riffs, Sandoval’s relentless drumming, and Vincent’s haunting vocals creates a sonic experience unlike anything else in the genre.

Beyond its musical merits, “The Thing That Should Not Be” holds cultural significance as a testament to the power of extreme music. It transcends the boundaries of genre, appealing to fans of metal, horror, and avant-garde art alike.

Dissecting the Structure: A closer look at the song’s structure reveals its intricate design:

Section	Tempo/Style	Musical Characteristics	Lyrical Themes
Intro	Slow, Atmospheric	Distorted guitar chords, echoing effects	Establishing a sense of dread and anticipation
Verse 1	Fast, Blast Beat Driven	Tremolo picking, guttural vocals	Introduction of the creature from “the depths”
Chorus	Slower Tempo, Melodic Riffs	Harmonized guitar leads, soaring vocals	Description of the creature’s form and power
Bridge	Instrumental Interlude	Complex rhythmic patterns, technical solos	Musical representation of the creature’s chaotic nature
Verse 2	Fast, Blast Beat Driven	Intricate drum fills, guttural growls	Depiction of the creature’s destructive influence

The Legacy of “The Thing That Should Not Be”:

“The Thing That Should Not Be” has left an indelible mark on the metal scene and beyond. Its impact can be seen in:

• Influence on other bands: The song inspired countless death metal and extreme metal bands, paving the way for a new generation of musicians to explore complex rhythms, technical proficiency, and thematic exploration.

• Cultural references: The song’s title has become synonymous with Lovecraftian horror, appearing in video games, literature, and other forms of media.

• Enduring popularity: “The Thing That Should Not Be” remains a staple in Morbid Angel’s live performances and continues to be streamed and downloaded by fans worldwide.

In conclusion, “The Thing That Should Not Be” is more than just a death metal song; it’s a cultural touchstone that bridges the gap between music and literature, fear and fascination. Its intricate structure, chilling lyrics, and relentless musical aggression solidify its place as one of the most iconic and influential tracks in extreme metal history.