DEICIDE „“The Stench of Redemption””

Music: Death Metal
Country: U.S.A.
Website: www.deicide.com


Cool Songs: Death to Jesus, Homage for Satan, The Lord's Sedition, Not of this Earth

“The Stench of Redemption” shows death metal icons, DEICIDE reawaking the beast with a revamped lineup. Former CANNIBAL CORPSE guitarist, Jack Owen and former ICED EARTH rhythm guitarist, Ralph Santolla replace Deicide guitar mainstays—the Hoffman brothers. The addition of Owen and Santolla is precisely what Glen Benton and crew needed. The two add an energy not seen in the band since its earliest efforts.

“The Stench of Redemption” is the fastest album in the band’s discography. Each track is a super sonic ride into the mouth of hell. Drummer Steve Asheim sets the furious pace, pushing his stamina to its limits. Asheim’s unrelenting skin bashing pushes the envelope for death metal drumming, setting a faster pace than any prior DEICIDE release.

Owen and Santolla closely follow Asheim’s lead, smoothly blending rhythm changes and breaks. The duo look to pure speed riffing more than groove-based riffs found on such DEICIDE classics as “Lunatic of God’s Creation” or “Satan Spawn, The Caco-Daemon.” Tracks like “Not of this Earth” and “Death to Jesus” demonstrate classic, flailing death metal riffing.

The unholy pair’s solos are even more impressive, though. This area is where the newest members have added a dimension not seen before in DEICIDE—melody. Owen and Santolla make their guitars speak, hitting high notes that create a dramatic feeling. The soloing on “The Stench” is reminiscent to the guitar work of Glen Benton’s other project, VITAL REMAINS. While concentrating more on scales and string bends, there are some moments of classic DEICIDE whammy bar soloing that the Hoffman brothers were best known for. Ralph Santolla uses this heavy metal guitar trick in a way that has never been seen before in this band. On the track “The Lord’s Sedition” Santolla slowly harps on his whammy bar, creating a melodic backdrop to Owen’s acoustic playing. The song’s introduction sounds more ICED EARTH than DEICIDE. Half the song is a forum for the two guitarists to show off their talents, soloing back and forth. At the midway point, the quartet tears apart the melodies with blazing satanic speed.

“The Stench of Redemption” calls for praise being heaped upon each band member. When talking about DEICIDE you cannot leave out front man Glen Benton. Over the years, Benton’s blasphemous lyrics, imagery and actions have garnished the band with much media attention. All antics aside, Benton is one of death metal’s best songwriters. He always seems to bring up excellent points on why being a Christian sucks, and he does it with rhyme patterns that provide the backbone to the catchy rhythms his band creates. His trademark low growls are still present on this album, although not as powerful as his younger days. What do you expect, though, the guy has been singing guttural death metal for nearly twenty years. He still devilishly juxtaposes his hellish screams next to demonic growls, which can be quite frightening at times.

Just when you thought death metal was getting stale, DEICIDE sold their souls to Satan to bring you a classic. “The Stench of Redemption” should hold as a model for death metal bands to have a long career. You don’t have to change your style, but sometimes you need to bring in some new blood. Oh…and it really helps if that new blood has played in ICED EARTH and CANNIBAL CORPSE.

note: 8.5/10

Tracklist

1. The Stench Of Redemption
2. Death To Jesus
3. Desecration
4. Crucified For The Innocence
5. Walk With The Devil In Dreams You Behold
6. Homage For Satan
7. Not Of This Earth
8. Never To Be Seen Again
9. The Lord's Sedition
*Bonus Track-Black Knight (Deep Purple Cover)
Total Playing Time: 41:18

Line-up

Glen Benton-Vocals, Bass
Steve Asheim-Drums
Jack Owen-Guitars
Ralph Santolla-Guitars