‘Nightmares of the Decomposed’ Review: Six Feet Under's gory death metal record is not for the faint-hearted
Florida-based death metal band Six Feet Under's last album titled ‘Torment’ was released in 2017, which opened to positive reviews from the critics as well as from the fans, but it was definitely not one of their best work if we compare it to their previous albums namely ‘Undead’ in 2012 and ‘Unborn’ in 2013. And now, fans who have eagerly waited for their new album, can finally headbang to the band's 17th full-length album titled ‘Nightmares of the Decomposed’.
The band consists of Chris Barnes (vocals), Jack Owen (rhythm and lead guitar), Ray Suhy (lead guitar), Jeff Hughell (bass), and Marco Pitruzzella (drums). Sticking to their gory and dark music, the new record will keep their fans hooked with 12 tracks.
Speaking about the album in an official statement, Barnes asserted, “Working again after 25 years writing an album with my old bandmate from Cannibal Corpse, Jack Owen, was like coming home…To a room full of dead bodies. Jack’s writing and riff work on this album gave me the fuel to write some disturbing lyrics and really set my creative mind on fire.”
The album opens with the gnarly track ‘Amputator’. The 3-minute-43-seconds belter takes you on an aggressive journey the moment you hit the play button. The guitar riffs are crunchy and pummelling, which will keep you hooked throughout the track. The lyrics will take you into an uncomfortable space as if you are in the middle of a horror movie, which is perfect for a death metal track. You can check out the official lyrical video of ‘Amputator’ here:
Six Feet Under make it very clear that more than 25 years into their career, they remain at the forefront of the genre. Dynamic, heavy as hell, catchy, and uncompromising, it is everything that the band’s longtime faithful have come to expect from the deadly unit and is clearly the product of a lot of hard work. ‘Zodiac’ is another notable track from the new record. Barnes' trademark growls are topped with occasional upticks in tempo and the drums from Pitruzzella stay balanced throughout the song. This is another single apart from ‘Amputator’ which has already hit the Internet.
Check the song right here:
Barnes' vocals on ‘The Rotting’ are infectious like a dreadful zombie bite on your neck, but as we came to the end of the song, it changes its tone to introduce some catchy melodies, which last only for a few seconds as the track switches back to its gory demeanor real quick.
‘Death Will Follow’ is like an extra addition to the album as it sounds similar to some of the other singles on the album. If you are a hardcore death metal and Six Feet Under fan, then you will get addicted to the hectic delivery of the album’s another not-to-be-missed track ‘Migraine’. As you step into the song, you won’t even realize when the riffs hit your head like a sledgehammer. It is one of the songs which will tell you what the album is all about. The pauses between the drums and Barnes' vicious vocals will flirt with the demons residing in your brain.
‘The Noose’ is a convincing death metal track whereas, the sinister grooves of ‘Blood of the Zombie’ and unexpected tempo changes along with minimal vocals will make you slip you into a trance-like state. The song is more subtle as compared to other raging tracks in the album. We have to give them extra marks for the stupendous guitar work here.
‘Self Imposed Death Sentence’ is another catchy track that will remain stuck in your head after a few repeated listens. ‘Dead Girls Don't Scream’ is yet another punishing yet catchy track, full of the good old Six Feet Under charm, which is bound to impress longtime fans of the band.
‘Drink Blood, Get High’ exhibits a magnificent guitar solo along with powerful percussion. Coming to ‘Labyrinth of Insanity,’ the song will keep you hooked to the album for a long time. ‘Without Your Life’ is a perfect wrap to the album. The last song in the album lasts for 3 minutes 39 seconds. The music, in typical Six Feet Under fashion, is extreme and punishing just what fans of the genre look for in a death metal album. In a nutshell, this may not be Six Feet Under’s best work but the band has surely experimented with their overall style that might appeal to both their old and new fans.
Tracked at various studios including Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, which over the years has played host to the likes of AC/DC, Black Sabbath, and Aerosmith among others, it was produced, engineered and mixed by Chris Carroll, who has given it a full and chunky feel. The album’s mastering was handled by Chaz Najjar at Badlands Recording in Denver, Colorado. The finished product is packed with songs that will sound great live, and will sit comfortably alongside the classics already filling out their setlists, helping to drive the band ever closer to their fourth decade of existence.
‘Nightmares of the Decomposed’ will hit the Internet on October 2 via Metal Blade Records. The album will be available on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube.