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Deicide- The Stench of Redemption (Earache)
Glen Benton- Bass/ Vocals
Steve Ashiem- Drums
Ralph Santolla- Guitars
Jack Owen- Guitars
As aptly named, this much anticipated release from death metal’s forerunner, is every bit a redemption process. A back-to-form album it is not, as many would consider the preceding LP, Scars of the Crucifix, as a resurgence, this being its mere, deserving, seccessor.
The marked difference Stench has to offer is in the music; accountable for its renewed vigour are 2 very capable guitar players; Jack Owen (ex-Cannibal Corpse) & Ralph Santolla (ex-Death). This necessary employment was due to the termination of the Hoffman brothers from the lineup, Glen Benton citing personal & professional differences as the primary cause of severance. The accounts very much explained why post-Once Upon the Cross releases were dysfunctional in terms of compositional servings. There was a struggle to keep up with the band’s initial 3 offerings, which is held in high regards by the industry.
Dark chapters aside, the band has chosen to offer a regeneration of their music in this release. All songs here are structurally sound & the guitar works formidable. There was never a compromise in brutality; several instances are in fact unintentionally black metal-esque. Even the quasi-instrumental, penultimate track, The Lord’s Sedition, was penned soundly to keep the listeners’ focus in tact. It takes this much competence to include a Deep Purple cover (Black Night) in the fold, done very successfully to say the least.
Listen to this release if you value good musicianship because there are many players in the genre who are more theatrical than talented. The Stench of Redemption proves that there is potent capacity in the brutal façade. Highly recommended.
Rating: 9/10
