Eagerly anticipated by me (and that's all that matters!), this is the evilest band I know of. While I am mildly disappointed that neither Slayer or Deicide were able to manage a release on 6/6/6, I'm damned glad they didn't make me wait too long.
Glenn Benton, the only person to actually frighten me, has not really mellowed with age one bit. Deicide is one of the true forbearers of death metal as we know it today. From the Florida underground many years ago, to world wide dominance. Honestly, this is the most melodic and clean recording by the band I've heard. Recent additions to the band of guitarists Jack Owen (ex-Cannibal Corpse) and Ralph Santolla (ex-Iced Earth/Death) are probably responsible for this. While Cannibal is death metal in the truest sense, Iced Earth is a whole different ball game and seems to have brought a different, cleaner feel to the music. Glenn's vocals seem far less forced than in previous years, and have a stronger force behind them. Almost a relaxed feel. It is still the Benton growl, but seems to have something more almost aged or mellowed, but those aren't good words. Almost that his voice has become perfection. Critics of death metal say they can't understand the lyrics. While there are some bands that, yes I agree that is an issue, I have never seemed to have a problem with Benton. Steve Asheim on drums has the heart pounding speed and double bass going that is a true death metal staple.
Lyrically it is what you would expect from Deicide. Heavy satanic influences in every song. From title track "Stench of Redemption":
Bow to a God I will never want,
Look him in the face as I taste his blood..
Fall to my knees and forget myself..
Rot with disgust and no dignity..
Enemy of me you will always be...
This is death metal at its purest form. The originators. Age has not taken their edge of in the least. While some bands talk the talk of Satanism for giggles and sales, I truly suspect Benton practices what he preaches.
While the turmoil in change of guitarist is always tragic, I think the new members really make this album great. Who would have ever thought I would say "Hey the new Deicide is really freaking good. So melodic!" Honestly not me, let alone anyone else. The solos on the album really seem to give the band a new car type of feel. Fresh and clean and all brand spanking new. While I can't replace my fav
Deicide, (not quite ready to give up old loves babe) I have to say this may replace
Legion in my regular play.
My only true bitch is that this album is too damned short. Song length is about 4 minutes each song and it seems to be over as soon as it starts. Short of that little issue, this is the reason I listen to death metal. And this reason seems aged to perfection.
Fav Tracks:
Black Night
Not of this Earth