August 1st, 2014 - Rampant Domination

 

 

Good evening metal heads and beer drinkers!  The Meista here with another extreme metal and artisan ale pairing for you!  Tonight I'm going with Morbid Angel's "Domination" and a Rampant Imperial IPA from New Belgium Brewing Company!

Released on May 9th, 1995, "Domination" is the 4th full-length studio album by Florida death metal gods Morbid Angel.  It is also the last album to include vocalist/primary lyricist/bassist David Vincent until his return to the band in 2004.  He left the band soon after the release of "Domination" and was replaced by vocalist/primary lyricist/bassist Steve Tucker, who would take the band in a different direction lyrically speaking (focusing on Sumerian gods and demons).  Along with Vincent, the band at the time was made up of the brilliant Trey Azagthoth (guitars and keyboards), the brutal Erik Rutan (guitars and keyboards), and powerhouse Pete Sandoval (drums).  Songs like "Dominate", "Where The Slime Live", "Dawn Of The Angry", "Caesar's Palace", and "Hatework" highlight the band's insane talent, songwriting prowess, and "domination" as one of the most profound and impactful death metal acts!  Here's the amazingly powerful track list:

1.	"Dominate"
2.	"Where The Slime Live"
3.	"Eyes To See, Ears To Hear"
4.	"Melting"
5.	"Nothing But Fear"
6.	"Dawn Of The Angry"
7.	"This Means War"
8.	"Caesar's Palace"
9.	"Dreaming"
10.	"Inquisition (Burn with Me)"
11.	"Hatework"

Rampant Imperial IPA from New Belgium Brewing Company is a very hop forward and aggressive 8.5% ABV ale... perfect for the heavy death metal stylings of Morbid Angel!  It pours a clear copper-amber with a thin white head showing good retention and lacing.  The nose is characterized by a well-balanced malt and citrusy hop aroma.  Brewed with Calypso, Centennial, and Mosaic hops, the flavor is characterized by a "heavy peach tones and a profoundly bitter bite".  There are big notes of pine, cedar, lemongrass, tangerine, pineapple, peach, and grapefruit along with sweeter malt flavors.  There's a slight booziness to the Rampant Imperial IPA, but it is well-hidden by the bitter hop bite.  The mouthfeel is exceptionally dry from start to finish.  The Rampant Imperial IPA is an excellent sample of the style!

Cheers and hails!