Florida death metal veterans Six Feet Under have now been making quite a name for themselves on the extreme scene for roughly 20 years. Led by former Cannibal Corpse vocalist Chris Barnes, the band have a slew of releases under their belt, and while none of them generally get listed as some of the best the genre has to offer, without a doubt the band has been consistent and have a loyal base of fans who follow everything they do. Crypt of the Devil is their latest release for Metal Blade Records, a more than solid platter of bludgeoning death metal featuring some great musical passages and Barnes' ever unmistakable growl.
Not sure if it's just me, but I'm finding some of the songs here on Crypt of the Devil to be more instantly accessible than on past efforts. "Gruesome", "Broken Bottle Rape", "Lost Remains", and "Open Coffin Orgy" (gotta love these song titles!) hit you hard from the very first listen but also grab you with some catchy yet brutal riffs, blazing lead guitar solos, and massive grooves. As always, Barnes will be a 'love it or leave it' affair for most; the guy definitely has a unique delivery, whether spewing out gruff growls or insane pig squeals, but you can generally understand what he is saying, regardless of how bizarre it may sound at time. The guitar work of Steve Swanson is what really drives Crypt of the Devil, as his riffs are merciless and the solos fluid, melodic, and dazzling. "The Night Bleeds" contains no shortage of riff-o-rama, screaming pinch harmonics, and blazing leads, as Swanson proves what an underrated player he really is. If you want mosh pit ready anthems, look no further than "Compulsion to Brutalize" and "Eternal Darkness", two songs that will no doubt go over well in a live setting.
Though I don't think Crypt of the Devil is going to change the face of modern day death metal, this is still a kick ass, brutal collection of genre fare that any fan is going to get a lot of enjoyment out of. Can't ask for more than that.
Track Listing
1. Gruesome
2. Open Coffin Orgy
3. Broken Bottle Rape
4. Break The Cross In Half
5. Lost Remains
6. Slit Wrists
7. Stab
8. The Night Bleeds
9. Compulsion To Brutalize
10. Eternal In Darkness
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