Top 10 Asphyx Songs

Photo: coldaf-79 / Shutterstock.com

Our top 10 Asphyx songs feature a seminal Dutch band revered for its pivotal role in shaping the death metal genre. Founded in 1987 by Tonny Brookhuis and Bob Bagchus, the band initially included guitarist Eric Daniels and bassist-vocalist Chuck Colli. Asphyx quickly made a mark with the demo Enter the Domain, which was intended to evolve into an album. Unfortunately, due to record label complications, the album was never released. During this period, the lineup underwent changes with Brookhuis departing and Chuck being replaced by Theo Loomans. Subsequently, the band was joined by Martin van Drunen, a former member of Pestilence.

Asphyx signed with Century Media Records and launched its debut album, The Rack. In 1992, the band embarked on a tour with Benediction and Bolt Thrower, aiming to broaden its reach and influence in the metal scene. Despite these efforts, the band’s stability was rocked when Bagchus left, leading to Asphyx disbanding in 1994 after releasing its self-titled album.

However, the story didn’t end there. Bagchus and Loomans revived Asphyx, releasing God Cries, and later Embrace the Death, an album originally recorded in 1990. Tragically, the band faced another blow with the untimely death of Loomans, rumored to be a suicide. Later, Bagchus, Daniels, and vocalist-bassist Wannes Gubbels formed Soulburn and released Feeding on Angels, only to revert to the Asphyx name, before disbanding once more in 2000.

In 2007, the band reunited and released a cover of Celtic Frost’s “Death… The Brutal Way.” After years of efforts to sustain Asphyx, Bagchus ultimately left, and Stefan Hüskens took his place, marking the departure of all original members. Here are the top 10 Asphyx songs from their extensive ten-studio-album career.

# 10 – Evocation

Leading off our top 10 Asphyx songs is the powerful “Evocation,” a standout track from the band’s 1991 album The Rack. The song opens with an extraordinary instrumental intro, a rare and captivating sequence that sets the tone for what follows. “Evocation” skillfully blends death metal with significant doom metal influences, creating a dense, atmospheric experience. Despite being released over three decades ago, this track continues to be celebrated as one of the finest metal songs from this influential Dutch band.

# 9 – Serenade in Lead

“Serenade in Lead” is a standout track from Asphyx’s album Last One on Earth. This song features some of the most intense vocals in the band’s repertoire, setting it apart from their other works. The track opens with a sublime intro, effectively drawing listeners into its heavy metal ambiance. The powerful growls throughout the song are particularly gripping, capable of leaving you in a smoldering mood! Kudos to Eric Daniels and Martin van Drunen for crafting such compelling lyrics that resonate deeply within the metal community.

# 8 – Last One on Earth

“Last One on Earth” is the titular track from Asphyx’s 1992 album. Crafted by Eric Daniels and Martin van Drunen, this song was recorded at Harrows Studios in the Netherlands. The lyrics of “Last One on Earth” are hauntingly bleak, conveying a sense of despair and hopelessness. While modern death metal is known for its impressive growling vocals, the vocal performance in this song is arguably superior, carrying a raw and powerful edge. Over the course of this seven-minute masterpiece, “Last One on Earth” showcases some of the most exceptional guitar solos the death metal genre has to offer, further cementing its status as a standout track.

# 7 – The Krusher

Martin van Drunen’s vocals, much like fine wine, have only improved with time. In the song “The Krusher,” his delivery is beautifully brutal, solidifying his reputation as one of the most epic death metal vocalists. “The Krusher” introduces a fresh kind of heaviness to the band’s album Last One on Earth, showcasing a robust and impactful sound that adds a new dimension to their musical legacy.

# 6 – Botox Implosion

Number six on our top 10 Asphyx songs list is “Botox Implosion,” featured on the band’s tenth and most recent album, Necroceros. This fast-paced track combines shredding guitars with lyrics penned in the band’s signature humorous, gore-infused death metal tradition. Originally, Asphyx intended to film the music video for this song in the US, but due to the pandemic, the filming took place in Essen instead. Frontman Martin van Drunen believes that “Botox Implosion” embodies a brutal tune that perfectly captures and enlivens the song’s death metal essence.

# 5 – Candiru

When the horror/thriller Piranha was released in 2010, it surprised many viewers with its depiction of a fish species that could attack humans. Interestingly, the Amazon basin, the setting for such stories, is also home to another dangerous fish: the candiru. Asphyx explored this theme in their song “Candiru,” featured on the album Incoming Death. The lyrics of the song delve into the perilous nature of this parasitic fish, highlighting its threat to humans through the band’s characteristic intense and ominous musical style.

# 4 – The Nameless Elite

“The Nameless Elite” is a standout track from Asphyx’s tenth studio album, Necroceros. Frontman Martin van Drunen disclosed that the song’s lyrics are inspired by modern-day warfare, specifically highlighting the courage of individuals in various elite military units around the world who play crucial roles in combating terrorism. Martin emphasized that while the band tackles themes related to war, they do so without glorification, adhering to the stark viewpoint that “war is hell.” This approach underscores the song’s powerful message and Asphyx’s commitment to addressing serious issues through their music.

# 3 – Forerunners of the Apocalypse

Death metal trailblazers Asphyx unveiled the track “Forerunners of the Apocalypse” on their ninth studio album, Incoming Death. The song is infused with groovy death metal elements, characterized by robust guitar riffs that command attention. Martin van Drunen’s howls are a highlight, adding a raw and compelling layer to the track. The accompanying music video is almost flawlessly executed, featuring a sublime display that distinguishes it from other videos, enhancing the overall impact of the song.

# 2 – Death the Brutal Way

“Death the Brutal Way,” the title track from Asphyx’s album Death…The Brutal Way, marked the band’s first album release in nine years. Martin van Drunen’s vocals are as impressive as ever, perfectly harmonizing with the intense, heavy pounding of the death metal backdrop. The guitar riffs are particularly notable, and the tempo shift around the fortieth second of the third minute adds a thrilling dynamic to the track. The song concludes as powerfully as it begins, ending abruptly and leaving listeners eager for more of Martin’s compelling vocal performance.

# 1- Deathhammer

Topping our list of the top 10 Asphyx songs is the formidable “Deathhammer,” from the band’s eighth studio album of the same name, Deathhammer. This album was notably the last to feature founding member Bagchus, who left the band to spend more time with his family. The song exemplifies why Asphyx is considered an epic force in the death metal scene. While it might seem cliché to continually praise Martin van Drunen’s vocals, omitting mention of his masterful delivery on this track would be a disservice. His performance is perfectly balanced—powerful without resorting to extreme or excessive screams—underscoring his ability to captivate and command the listener’s attention.