The Death Metal Blues.

It's been a long time since I picked up a Death Metal new release and in the past two years I've found myself listening to less and less Death metal. When I would choose to listen to Death Metal it wouldn't lead to a search for new Death Metal talent, and why is this?


I think Death Metal is one of those genres that just became a little stagnant for me. There's alot of bands flying the Death Metal flag,  and most of the new bands that I've heard don't grab me at all (with the exception of Decrepit Birth, The Faceless, Obscura and a few others).

Death Metal in the early 90s was pushing boundaries with acts like Death,  Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel at the forefront. The first time I listened to Spiritual Healing by Death I was blown away. Excellent guitarwork coupled with great lyrics and the harsh vocals of Chuck Schuldiner sent chills down my spine. I just don't get that with modern music any more. I'm probably overlooking alot of great talent out there but I can't imagine a new death metal album that doesn't sound familiar.



Bands like Nocturnus, Pestilence and Death started to edge towards a different sound. Pestilence would go on to combine Jazz with Death Metal with their 1993 album "Spheres". Nocturnus were heavily focused on the technical side of the genre and with Gorguts, would become pioneers in the Technical Death Metal  sub-genre that is still going strong today. Death continued to evolve with every album, edging towards a more progressive sound with their swansong "The Sound of Perseverance". These albums held my interest and continue to do so .

 "Diminishing Between Worlds" by Decrepit Birth is one of my favourite modern  Death Metal albums , it's fantastic, check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgrc6Ch3Exo


I wish I could get into new death metal bands but it's hard to find originality these days. I think I'll stick to the classic Old School albums for now. :)