Dead Syndicate The Carrion Creed
Black Morning Star Records January 13, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Dead Syndicates sound is American through and through, which makes sense considering the quintet hail from Virginia. Coming off the EP Like Razors Through Flesh, The Carrion Creed is the groups full-length debut, and despite a handful of minor complaints, its a very good exemplification of straightforward death metal that avoids carbon copying any of the subgenres pioneers, or the bands current peers, but maybe comes too close for the nitpickers.
Almost every review of The Carrion Creed has mentioned Morbid Angel, so now that obligatory reference is out of the way. Its a fitting comparison, though, especially since Dead Syndicate tout the fact that theyve opened for those death metal stalwarts. What letter are they on now I? Anyway, the five-piece is marginally impressive instrumentally, and so there is no weak point as far as musicianship is concerned. In fact, drummer and eldest member Michael Arcane seems the most gifted of the troupe, consistently dishing out more double-bass than an actual drum shop. His cymbal work is nice, too. However, the production is somewhat muddy, but not enough to necessarily make an issue of it. As a matter of fact, it could be argued that the production adds a natural feel to the material.
Often, as in opener Plague of All Plagues, the tempo is lightning fast, which continues on Kampstoff Lost (Agent H) after a typical war soundclip subsides. Perhaps most memorable is Whore of Babylon due to the lyrics and Nile/Melechesh melodies that the midsection brandishes like in no other song. The track is significantly slower than its brethren as well, but therein lies its appeal. Kill Like a God is easily another highlight, though theres not a runt among the bunch if interludes Weeping on the Shores of Lucrine Lake and the title track arent included.
When all is said and done, Dead Syndicate offer approximately 45 minutes of sturdy death metal. Some will pass up The Carrion Creed on the grounds that its not very original. Thats true its not. However, these guys certainly warrant a listen if you think of yourself as a death metal connoisseur.
Official Dead Syndicate Website
Official Black Morning Star Records Website
Black Morning Star Records January 13, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Dead Syndicates sound is American through and through, which makes sense considering the quintet hail from Virginia. Coming off the EP Like Razors Through Flesh, The Carrion Creed is the groups full-length debut, and despite a handful of minor complaints, its a very good exemplification of straightforward death metal that avoids carbon copying any of the subgenres pioneers, or the bands current peers, but maybe comes too close for the nitpickers.
Almost every review of The Carrion Creed has mentioned Morbid Angel, so now that obligatory reference is out of the way. Its a fitting comparison, though, especially since Dead Syndicate tout the fact that theyve opened for those death metal stalwarts. What letter are they on now I? Anyway, the five-piece is marginally impressive instrumentally, and so there is no weak point as far as musicianship is concerned. In fact, drummer and eldest member Michael Arcane seems the most gifted of the troupe, consistently dishing out more double-bass than an actual drum shop. His cymbal work is nice, too. However, the production is somewhat muddy, but not enough to necessarily make an issue of it. As a matter of fact, it could be argued that the production adds a natural feel to the material.
Often, as in opener Plague of All Plagues, the tempo is lightning fast, which continues on Kampstoff Lost (Agent H) after a typical war soundclip subsides. Perhaps most memorable is Whore of Babylon due to the lyrics and Nile/Melechesh melodies that the midsection brandishes like in no other song. The track is significantly slower than its brethren as well, but therein lies its appeal. Kill Like a God is easily another highlight, though theres not a runt among the bunch if interludes Weeping on the Shores of Lucrine Lake and the title track arent included.
When all is said and done, Dead Syndicate offer approximately 45 minutes of sturdy death metal. Some will pass up The Carrion Creed on the grounds that its not very original. Thats true its not. However, these guys certainly warrant a listen if you think of yourself as a death metal connoisseur.
Official Dead Syndicate Website
Official Black Morning Star Records Website
