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By JEFF MAKI
Most diehard metal fans have heard the name God Dethroned, but the band, despite forming in 1992 and boasting an impressive discography, has never become a household name. The Toxic Touch should change things. This is also the first album to feature new band members, Isaac Delahaye (lead guitar) and Henk Zinger (bass). Arien Van Weesenbeek is phenomenal as always on drums while lead vocalist, Henri Sattler sounds as evil and determined as ever.
The band's previous release, 2004's The Lair of the White Worm, was received well and hinted at a new, more accessible direction. Don't worry, the band didn't pull a Metallica or even go the route of In Flames' much criticized Reroute To Remain album. But things are simpler now, leaving more room for melody and expansion on the band's sound. From the opener, “Hating Life,” God Dethroned's groove-oriented death metal is undeniably heavy yet catchy, something I feel is often necessary for a metal band. Don't get me wrong, the band may have dismissed blast beats from this recording but no amount of brutality is lost. “Wings of Pestilence” is one of the best and heaviest damn death metal songs ever recorded with an amazingly epic feel and strong melody. It shreds. Bottom line, if you're a death metal fan it must be heard. This is some of the strongest material the band has written both musically and lyrically. “Typhoid Mary,” with an atmosphere of impending doom, is another stand-out. Other stand-outs include "2014" and "The Day You Died." There is no filler here and the album's 10 songs all tie together well. The emphasis on guitar melody is refreshing given the number of bands lately throwing away song structure altogether.
The Toxic Touch is an essential release for metal fans and one that should make God Dethroned's name known. Buy it, keep it resting in your CD player and let the infection begin.
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