UMUR
"Transmission Zero" is the 4th full-length studio album by US, California based death/thrash/grindcore act Ghoul. The album was released through Tankcrimes Records in November 2011. It´s the successor to "Splatterthrash" from 2006. Ghoul were formed in 2001 by among others members of Impaled and have worked as a side-project for the members for many years.
Stylistically the material on "Transmission Zero" continue Ghoul´s trademark combination of crossover thrash, goregrind, and death metal (sort of like listening to the bastard child of S.O.D. and Carcass playing). The lyrics are gory and funny/silly and the band also incorporate spy movie/surf rock themes on some tracks ("Death in the Swamp" is a full on surf rock track with snarling Jeff Walker type death metal vocals). It´s all a bit campy and silly, but it´s also damn charming, brutal, aggressive, and memorable.
"Transmission Zero" is an album reeking of the band members having fun and of their love for the music style they play here. This is not just a clone/tribute type album though, and Ghoul put their own spin on the tried and true musical elements, and as they are both skilled musicians and composers, they succeed very well in doing that. Heavy groove laden thrash metal riffs, Carcass-type snarling growling and deeper growling vocals, riot gang shouts, and death metal/goregrind sections.
"Transmission Zero" features a raw, powerful, and well sounding production, which suits the material well. I hear a more tight playing band and more memorable songwriting compared to the preceding releases, and upon conclusion "Transmission Zero" is a step up from "Splatterthrash (2006)" and a quality release by Ghoul. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.