Dying Fetus: Descend Into Depravity (Release)

Pared down to a three-piece (vocalist/guitarist John Gallagher,
bassist Sean Beasley and drummer Trey Williams), Baltimore’s Dying
Fetus should possess, by any reasonable expectation, a diminished sonic
presence.

However, such is definitely not the case with Descend Into
Depravity, the technical death-metal act’s sixth full-length, and
fourth for Relapse. Indeed, the band sounds absolutely recharged, and
perhaps even more nihilistic, with songs like “Shepherd’s Commandment”
straying very much into grind-core territory, particularly due to
Gallagher’s ultra-guttural microphone-swallowing. Although the
adjective “technical” suggests you shouldn’t expect too many slam or
groove elements, there are plenty of breakdowns to keep your neck from
completely snapping off during the spastic guitar-riffing and atonal
solos that punctuate each and every song.

“Your Treachery Will Die With You” pours down aural punishment like
1,000 iron sledgehammers crushing an aluminum storage shed. “Conceived
Into Enslavement” simply obliterates everything in its path, thanks to
Williams’ blast beats, which owe more to military ordnance than
traditional musicality.

The Fetus has always displayed a political view (a dim one steeped
in genuine paranoia and real conspiracy). Depravity dares imply
that, in spite of the 2008 elections, nothing has changed. American
empire digs its claws—and its own grave—deeper, drawing
more blood, inflicting more pain and suffering worldwide. Watching the
news, can anyone say these metalheads are wrong?

This article appears in Oct 1-7, 2009.