arcane-beautiful
After trailing through the 90's and early 2000's with a line of classic and unclassic death metal releases, Deicide decided to go back to their original sound and just make a balls to the wall evil death metal album.
This album, being the last to feature the classic line-up, with the Hoffman brothers on guitars. It was sad to see them go, but the future for these guys does become slightly more brighter with the help of other musicians. Musically, the band have definitely progressed. While “Legion” had more technical passages, this album slowly brings back more of the bands technical ability. The guitar work has definitely stepped up than their early stuff, with the Hoffman's soloing becoming more technical and sounding a lot more unique (sweep picking can be heard a good bit too).
One thing I have to say about this album is that The best way to describe this album is comparing it to another angry and aggressive album, and that would be Slayer's “God Hates Us All”. These 2 albums would go very well back to back mainly for the pure anger in both, the blasphemy which emits from it like black bile and the rather aggressive approach to music.
Lyrically the album is probably the most blasphemous, with song titles like “Fuck Your God” and “Go Now Your Lord Is Dead.” I have to admit, when Glen does write lyrics, at times he can be rather aggressive with some of his images, but as a lyricist, he does know what he's talking about and he does speak the truth at times.
The title track which opens the album is definitely a classic Deicide track. That riff is like a hammer hitting your temple and knocking you out. The music video for the song is also worth giving a look at.
One of the album's highlights has to be the track “Fuck Your God.” A brilliant paced song with some absolutely insane riffs and vocals from Glen.
The delivery on the track “From Darkness Come” from Glen is just insane. His throat and mouth must be wrecked anytime they play this song live.
The album's shortest but one of the most “Go Now Your Lord Is Dead.” Just clocking under 2 minutes, the song is short and sweet. A small little head rush before the epic ending.
The album closer “The Pentecostal” is a brilliant ending to the album. Lyrically brilliant, Glen really paints a picture of brainwashed religion, and I couldn't help but think of the Westboro Baptist Church while reading it. The outro is pretty cool and atmospheric with some crazy piano playing.
In conclusion, this is definitely up there with one of Deicide's best. I have to admit, it's not as technically minded as the other Deicide albums, but this has to be one of their most aggressive. If you want an album that is like a drill in your ear...then totally check this album out.
8.3/10