It can be difficult to set yourself apart in a genre like death metal where so many bands sound exactly alike. Lay Down Rotten doesn't bring anything new to the table, but their style is very effective. Gospel Of The Wretched changes speeds often enough to avoid monotony.
There's no shortage of intensity as blast beats, squeals and powerful riffs smack the listener upside the head. Lay Down Rotten sometimes plays at breakneck speed with a thrashy sound, but they're equally adept at a crushing mid-tempo groove. Songs like "Altering The Whore" run the gamut from intense death metal to slower, more melodic sections.
In addition to Jost Kleinert's death metal growls, Lay Down Rotten brings in some guest vocalists that add even more variety to the proceedings. Martin van Drunen (Hails of Bullets, Asphyx, Pestilence), Marc Grewe (Morgoth)and Dan Swanö (Edge Of Sanity, Katatonia) all provide additional vocals.
If you're looking for some first-class European death metal, consider Gospel Of The Wretched. Lay Down Rotten impresses with excellent musicianship, quality songwriting and ample aggression.
(released May 12, 2009 on Metal Blade Records)
