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LAY DOWN ROTTEN
www.laydownrotten.com
I loved Lay Down Rotten's last album (I gave it a very respectable 8.5/10). I seem to recall their At The Gates-alike sound, and crushing song arrangements. For some reason, on this follow-up, I thought Jost Kleinert had decided to ape Martin Van Drunen. And then I actually did some reading and, lo, Martin actually guests on the album. Cool. This is a different beast to 'Reconquering the Pit' though. The melody is still abundant, but the song-writing incorporates a greater scope of metal, rather than just the 'death-' of yore. This, of course, is a good thing, and ensures that the album doesn't get bogged down in borderline boredom. It's not as immediate as its predecessor, but that is largely due to the variety on offer here. Dig deep though, and you'll discover a wealth of neat tricks and quality ambience. Dan Swanö has done a terrific job on the sonics, allowing each instrument room to manoeuvre, and shine. 'Hours of Infinity' is possibly the best example of the sonic palette and song-writing combination. Truly a great song, which should get heads banging and audiophiles stroking their chins in appreciation. So, again, you can buy this CD with confidence; it will spend many a pleasurable hour in your cranium. Before smashing it.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Metal Blade Records
Album
GOSPEL OF THE WRETCHED
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Review by Steve Cowan
RUNNING TIME:
44:04
RELEASE DATE:
11th May 2009
TRACK LISTING
1) Gospel of the Wretched
2) Thy Won't Be Done
3) Hours of Infinity
4) Altering the Whore
5) Conditioning the Weak
6) He Who Sows Hate
7) Beyond Damnation
8) When All Becomes Nothing
9) Where Spirits Lie Dead
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Germany
"...you can buy this CD with confidence; it will spend many a pleasurable hour in your cranium. Before smashing it."