The controversial death metal band Deicide has had some lineup changes since their last release. Gone are longtime guitarists the Hoffman brothers, who have been replaced by Jack Owen (Cannibal Corpse) and Ralph Santolla (Death, Iced Earth). The band's anti-Christian view hasn't changed, as song titles such as "Death To Jesus" prove, but what about their music?
It's as angry and brutal as ever, and the new guitarists breathe new life into Deicide's approach. You might not even notice because of all the blast beats and breakneck riffing, but there are some actual melodies here. They have added a subtle layer of complexity to the band's brutal arsenal, which makes the songs that much more powerful.
As you would expect, Glen Benton's death metal growls are intense and evil sounding. There are also some higher pitched black metal style howls that add some diversity to the mix. With this new lineup Deicide sounds better than they have in years.
