Artist: Dying Fetus
Label: Relapse Records
Release Date: 10/3/00
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Title: Destroy the Opposition Artist: Dying Fetus Label: Relapse Records Release Date: 10/3/00 |
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Abyss's Review:
I was always surprised how a band this good seemed to be in between labels constantly, but it seems they've found a home at Relapse, and Destroy the Opposition is their first release from this new marriage. This album starts off right where their last masterpiece, Killing on Adrenaline left off. I've heard these guys referred to as grinding death, brutal death, etc., but in my book they are just straight up technical death, and I might add they're the best American Technical Death Metal band out there right now. Now you could argue with me that they're not really technical death metal, but the argument would always end the same, with me getting drunk and saying "Fuck you, they're technical death metal, so shut the fuck up!" Then I'd pass out, and you wouldn't be able to retort anyway, so just humor me.
"You could argue with me that they're not really technical death metal, but the argument would always end the same, with me getting drunk and saying 'Fuck you, they're technical death metal, so shut the fuck up!'" Everything the Dying Fetus fan covets is in this album in spades. The high pitched arpeggios, the brutal riffing, and their unique sense of groove, combine to give every one of these songs a great deal of heft. Their lyrics seem much more political than your average blood and guts death fare, and while that makes this band more appealing to some, for me it's just the guitar driven, quality songwriting that makes this band stand out amongst all of the other bands that are trying for the same style.
Their dual vocal attack remains intact, which leads me to my only petty criticism of this band. One of the vocalists (the guitarist I think) is just a little too Cookie Monster-y for my tastes. I mean, I think it's a shame that, with all of the groove that makes me want to growl along with them, some of the lyrics I can't even follow with the lyric sheet in hand. But anyway, it doesn't really take anything away from the experience, I just feel I need to make some sort of criticism, you know, cause I'm a critic.
The technical ability of this band is staggering, the guitar and percussion are a testament to this, and anyone who's seen them live can attest to the fact that they are not just a studio creation. As a matter of fact, seeing them live (which is easy to do considering the amount of time they spend on the road) helps you appreciate this stuff all the more. Mark my words, in ten years time Dying Fetus' name will be held in the same regard that Morbid Angel is now. Welcome to the future of American Death.
"Welcome to the future of American Death."
Death's Review:
Well here it is, October, and we are in the midst of a recent glut of killer metal releases. Bands are dropping amazing new material left and right, and over the next few weeks we will see some of the highest profile releases of 2000 delivered in rapid succession. Amidst this metal gorging frenzy, Maryland’s Dying Fetus deliver their highly anticipated Relapse debut, Destroy the Opposition. It is, of course, easy for a relatively lesser-known artist like the Fetus to get lost in the crowd, competing for your death metal dollar with new albums from the likes of Morbid Angel, Nile, Cryptopsy and Immolation, not to mention Nevermore, Overkill and Cradle of Filth and instantly classic newer artists like Lamb of God. But let me warn you now, dear readers, missing out on Dying Fetus would be a big mistake.
After having slogged it out for years on their own and with smaller labels both here and in Europe, Dying Fetus finally get the opportunity to take their mosh-laden blend of technical death metal spiced up by dashes of hardcore and grind to the relative masses. The outcome is, of couse, successful. Those of you who know Dying Fetus from their many recent Metalfest appearances or their last record, Killing on Adrenaline (released on their own label in the U.S.) will not be disappointed. Those who are heretofore unfamiliar, if you like heavy groove, thrash/death riffing and are amenable to dual- layer guttural burp/puke and gargle-death vocals, you’ll definitely want to check this one out.
"Missing out on Dying Fetus would be a big mistake."
In the end, Destroy the Opposition was exactly what I was expecting from Dying Fetus. Virtuoso-level drumming and cool freakin' riffs are the order of the day. And, yes, you can "mosh" to it. Since when did "moshing" become so uncool? Admittedly, I am past the whole slamming around in the pit thing, but mosh riffs to me are the slow, heavy groove parts of every eighties speed/thrash metal song, and shit like the S.O.D. riffs all over Speak English or Die. By way of reference, to me, Slayer's classic riff in the middle of "Angel of Death" is a mosh riff. Lamb of God employ mosh riffs. And so does Dying Fetus. Not hardcore, or nu-metal bouncing, but sick metal headbanging grooves. For this they should be respected.
"Dying Fetus are one of a few acts who are leading the charge in this new wave of American death metal." Dying Fetus are one of a few acts who are leading the charge in this new wave of American death metal. Support the cause and buy this album. In short, Destroy the Opposition. Yes, American death metal is becomming trendy again, but this is surely one trend which should continue.
Hel's Review:
You know you've got a death metal addiction if you can understand over 10% of the vocals on the new Dying Fetus album, Destroy the Opposition. I must confess that I believe I understand about half. They say the first step is admitting you have a problem. Hello, my name is Hel, and I'm a death metal-oholic. And I love the new Dying Fetus.
"You know you've got a death metal addiction if you can understand over 10% of the vocals on the new Dying Fetus album." You will too, if you have the problem I do. If there were a support group for such things, perhaps Dying Fetus would be this year's poster children. They have laid down on plastic a work of true technical brutality. The riffs are blinding, the solos are mind-boggling, the quality of the songs is high, and the vocals are unintelligible.
This is not consumer-friendly music. This is music for the most serious of metal fans. And fine, fine music it is. There is nothing more the death metal fiend inside me desires, once Destroy the Opposition is in my cd player. You'll agree.
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