Review : DYING FETUS – “Descend Into Depravity”

Dying Fetus – “Descend Into Depravity”
released September 15, 2009 on Relapse

These guys take the term ‘power trio’ to the next level, as they streamline down one member further from 2007’s War of Attrition, and recruit new drummer Trey Williams. This in no way hampers their ability to compose dense, claustrophobic death metal with well-written, incisive sociopolitical lyrics by bassist/vocalist Sean Beasley accompanied by haunting high-res glossy artwork by Orion Landau.

You’ll need the liner notes, as the growls range from throaty to guttural with minimal enunciation. This may be a caveat for some, but they’re still effectively terrifying. Every song has at least TEN vicious killer riffs, mainly courtesy of guitarist/vocalist/founder John Gallagher. “At What Expense?” also features some cool bass licks and the album’s best dynamics. This is one of two songs penned by Beasley; “Hopeless Insurrection” is the other.

With technical death metal of this caliber, all songs are interesting on some level. Take 2’s scathing honesty, 4’s amazing lead riff, or the get-in-and-get-out urgency of 8 with blazing solo centerpiece. The latter, especially, reminds you that DF does not have time to fuck around! They use 34 minutes to make their point, take it or leave it. Be grateful for the warning shots.

FCC: 1, 3, 6
Try *2*, 4, 5, 7, *8*

01. Your Treachery Will Die With You
02. Shepherd’s Commandment
03. Hopeless Insurrection
04. Conceived Into Enslavement
05. Atrocious By Nature
06. Descend Into Depravity
07. At What Expense?
08. Ethos of Coercion

Rating: