Search - Dekapitator :: The Storm Before the Calm

Thrash Revival

B. Fanciulli | United States | 09/24/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"2007 is sure to be the biggest year in thrash since 1986; a style of metal that would have been written off as dead if it weren't for a few strong '80's hold-overs like Germany's Kreator, Sodom, and Destruction. The thrash revival is in full swing this year with an excellent release by Municipal Waste, several very promising new entrants (Evile, Blood Tsunami, Fueled by Fire), and a few very much anticipated releases (Sodom's re-recording of "In The Sign of Evil" and Demiricous' "Two").



Add to the mix, Dekapitator. Born over a decade ago in the San Francisco bay area, the birthplace of the genre, "Storm Before The Calm" is an impressive thrash standard. Guitarist/vocalist Matt "Hellfiend" Harvey, who you likely won't recognize from his distorted grunting in the gore-grind band Exhumed, even sounds like former Testament/Exodus screamer Steve Souza here.



The production is good and powerful. One thing holds the band back--and the good production makes it very apparent--slow and uneventful time changes. The band sounds amazing when belting out mach-speed rhythms, but nearly every one ends with a simple and sloppy sounding JIG-Jig-jig-pause. The songs are consistent and above average, but there are a few crushing standouts that carry the album: Deathstrike Command and The Scourging. Overall, this is a very good album. I expect great things to come of Dekapitator."

WHAAAAARGH!

CARAPACE (Luke) | Australia | 06/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you dont need a neck brace after listening to this theres something wrong! On ya lads!"