Slow, grinding and brutal. That would be the quickest way to explain the new
Commandment. It's heavy enough to satisfy the most discriminating palate of death metal fans, but it seems almost normal.
Chris Barnes' vocals are, as always, pure death metal perfection. Demonic growls with an intelligible quality that is sometimes lacking from other bands. There is almost a "dying a slow death" quality to the whole album. This album has the potential to attract more than just death metal fans. Fans of the heavier stuff, who shied away, may find a new love in death metal. Rounding out the band is bass god Terry Butler, Steve Swanson on guitar, and Greg Gall on drums.
It's hard to pick the true highlights of this album because each song is damned solid. "Zombie Executioner" is probably my fave track vocally on this CD. Of course "Bled To Death" has all the evils of an excellent chunk guitar, blast beat, and strong base line, a combination of all things that make one helluva tune. I really also liked the guitar line on "As The Blade Turns." Definitely one for the live show. Lastly the drum line on "The Evil Eye" gets the blood going.
Old school or new style death metal fans will definitely enjoy this CD. Heavy enough to piss you off, yet the calming aspect I have always found in death metal.