Misery Index

For a band that have become known for great live performances, a live record carries with it certain expectations. Such is the case with Baltimore, MD grind/deathcore act Misery Index, who offer up Live in Munich. Recorded in Munich, Germany on February 18, 2012, the release opens with "Sleeping Giants," from the band's latest album, 2010's Heirs to Thievery, featuring drummer extraordinaire Adam Jarvis's (also of Pig Destroyer) inhuman blasts, making it is the perfect way to start their set. However, almost immediately something sounds off, as subpar mastering results in flat tones and muffled riffs. There are fine song choices, with the set drawing heavily from Heirs to Thievery ("The Carrion Call," "You Lose" and "The Seventh Cavalry"), as well as "The Great Depression," from their 2003 debut, Retaliate, but their impact is lessened. While fans can still appreciate Live in Munich as we await their next studio album, which is scheduled for release this year, it's not all it could have been, making it rather disappointing.