Sweet X-Rated Nothings is the final metal collection from Germany's
Pyogenesis. The group completely overhauled their gothic stance on their subsequent offering, Twinaleblood, their second issue in 1995. Such a dramatic turn is hard to ignore when considering the first of these two discs. The music is predictably morbid and sexually charged, and the performances are confident, if not entirely original. Discerning gothic/death metal listeners will notice a stale quality that permeates
Sweet X-Rated Nothings. In retrospect, this might be more attributable to the band's lack of conceptual commitment than their fading chops. No matter the cause, the Nuclear Blast release is missing sharpness and clarity in both the songwriting and production departments. These shortcomings limit this record's appeal to death metal fanatics only. ~ Vincent Jeffries