Deicide - "The Stench of Redemption" (Earache)
Deicide's latest effort "The Stench of Redemption" includes the addition of
two versatile guitarists; Jack Owen (ex - Cannibal Corpse) and Ralph
Santolla ( ex- Iced Earth, ex - Death). These guys bring a new depth to
Deicide, broadening the sound Deicide has been known to present throughout
the years. The guitars really seem to blend perfectly in a paradoxical
harmonious turbulence. Aside from the guitar work, Glen Benton's (bassist
and vocalist) anti-Christian lyrics are as blasphemous as ever and his
vocals have gotten even more guttural and evil, and Steve Asheim's drumming
has tightened up a notch since the previous record. All of these elements
combined prove to provide a very promising experience to the listener.
As far as the actual album is concerned; the opening-title track, blasts the
disc open like the gates of hell. It is by far one of the stronger tracks on
the album in my opinion. "Death To Jesus" is a track title to catch the
attention, naturally I gave this one several listens. It is one of the top
songs of the album, well worth the price of purchase alone. The next song of
mention would have to be the single "Homage for Satan". A song very
reminiscent of the "Serpents of the Light" days. Included in this song is by
far the best guitar solo of any Deicide song, and one of the most eerily
beautiful guitar solos I have ever heard. The album ends with a tumultuous
cover of Deep Purple's "Black Night". This is a very interesting concept, it
is presented in a way that makes the song enjoyable to death metal fans that
are not too familiar or too fond of Deep Purple. An interesting choice for
an album closer nonetheless.
Overall, this disc will leave your ear drums bleeding...for the most part I
am not being sarcastic here. I would highly recommend this c.d. to any early
era Deicide fan as well as any new Deicide or death metal fan alike. Because
of the versatility of the new guitarists the album should create a wider
spectrum of Deicide listeners, and also solidify a place in every Deicide
fans' c.d. players for weeks. This album brings about a sense of
rejuvenation amongst Deicide, leaving us to guess there will be bigger and
better things to come from the new and improved "godfathers of death metal".
Jason Landrie
