I just listened to the new Morbid Angel album, so anything I listen to now will be damn good, no matter what.
Hilarious tummy-cringing jokes aside, Deceased have returned with their trademark blend of Deathly Thrashing Hardcore Heavy ‘king Metal! Having been the first band to release a full-length on Relapse Records, these veterans are back in full-strength, with singer/drummer King Fowley having recovered from serious illness. It’s the 6th Deceased studio album in 25 years and a rather good one at that.
On Surreal Overdose, we are treated with some excellent ever-varying and imaginative riffs, leads and solos… something one might have long forgotten anything even remotely related to Thrash Metal had the potential for. But Deceased keep with their trademark sound and delivery a shitload of hook after hook, melody after melody, only to kick into yet another riff-you-wish-you’d-written. Bass-work is also spot-on, not simply playing low-end versions of the riffs, but adding a further dimension to the music. Vocals are delivered with such determination and power that one cannot help but listen, convinced of the fact that something important is being said here. Production-wise it’s the best we’ve heard from Deceased. The album holds a certain intensity to its name, slightly similar (but not akin) to Absu’s self-titled album (intensity-wise it sometimes also reminds me of Adorior – credit to some great drumming). Furthermore added movie-samples add to the atmosphere of the whole release, which, despite its lengthy songs (around 6 minutes average) doesn’t lose momentum.
It is immensely satisfying hearing something so fresh and energetic from a band that’s a mere half-decade from their thirstiest anniversary. With labels such as Candlelight picking up some of the most terrible untalented bands out there, one should definitely turn to veterans such as Deceased who still know how to write songs and fire out one adrenaline-pumping riff after the other. Another great release for 2011! Well worth checking out.
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Miika Virtanen
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