FLAYED DISCIPLE

"If Kam Lee sang for an alternate-universe version of Slayer that never slowed down after Reign in Blood". That's how best to describe 'Death Hammer' by Flayed Disciple. And, while they share the love of speed that Slayer's classic had in spades, there are subtle variations in tempo that ensures attentions don't wander too much during the fifty-odd minutes of grinding death metal. Do they bring anything particularly new to the table here? No, this is focussed aggression coupled with precision and perfect pacing. As the Reverend Obituary (Church of Latter Day Bolt Thrower) has taught us: "Alter Thy Sound Not, Lest Ye End Up Like Carcass". Flayed Disciple, then, aim to entertain with a selection of booty-shaking horror-anthems chock full of huge riffs, stop-start rhythms and guttural missives. No frills, no social commentary, no pretension. Might I add that the sound is huge too? And yet, despite checking several boxes, there's no denying that within a few weeks I'll have moved on to something new. Whether that's the fault of Flayed Disciple, or my own wandering taste, is perhaps open for debate. As it is, I find myself rather conflicted. 'Death Hammer' has been an absolute blast to listen to, but I'm not sure I can score it too highly because of its longevity flaws. So, by all means check it out; it is a mighty fine death metal album. But don't be expecting life-changing or long-term thrills from it.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Grindscene Records

Album

DEATH HAMMER

Review by Steve Cowan

RUNNING TIME:

51:18

RELEASE DATE:

May 2012

TRACK LISTING

1) Bring Down the Hammer
2) The Westboro Massacre
3) Interceptor
4) Feast in the Forest of Impaled Bodies
5) Exodus
6) The Shrine of Dahmer
7) Bleaching in the Sun
8) Torsofucked
9) Ejaculate While Killing
10) Pig

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

UK

"...a selection of booty-shaking horror-anthems chock full of huge riffs, stop-start rhythms and guttural missives."