To any metal fan, the name Deicide alone represents pure evil.
There a certain aura surrounding the band. To many, Deicide
is the epitome of heavy. The Stench of Redemption is Deicide's first album with its newly revamped lineup. After
a falling out with vocalist Glen Benton in 2005, the Hoffman
brothers were replaced with new guitarists Jack Owen (ex-Cannibal
Corpse) and Ralph Santolla (ex-Death/Iced Earth). These two
bring an entirely new dimension to the band with their skillful,
memorable solos.
Deicide's over-the-top antics and heaviness always have seemed
a little forced, but now there is more of a complete, (un)natural
sound. The title track opens the disc and is a pounding assault
in true Deicide form. "Death Of Jesus" is a standout with
outstanding guitar work and screeching backing vocals from
Benton that may have your hair stand on end. Benton's backing
vocals are used to a much higher extent here than on previous
recordings, making the songs and lyrics more exciting. I am
interested to hear a full song with these vocals. "Desecration"'s
tempo changes and crushing riffs are powerful and memorable,
something lacking in Deicide's music since Once Upon a
Cross. In fact, there are even choruses present on The
Stench of Redemption; see "Crucified for the Innocence'
for a strong example of this. "Homage for Satan" begins with
a "War Ensemble"-esque riff before becoming perhaps the fastest
death metal song ever recorded.
Deicide's last few albums and satanic imagery had become somewhat
predictable. They must have realized this because The
Stench of Redemption sounds like a band reborn. This
is an exciting album from start to finish and will be a staple
for death metal for years to come. Although the lyrics, song
names and imagery may still seem cliché, the serious
vibe of this album makes it seem all too real.
Deicide truly sounds like a band on a mission here. Satan
should be pleased. |
