SIX FEET UNDER „Death Rituals”

Music: Death Metal
Country: U.S.A.
Web site: http://www.sfu420.com/

Cool Songs: Killed in Your Sleep, Death by Machete, Involuntary Movement of Dead Flesh

The gods of death metal groove, SIX FEET UNDER return with another platter of splatter by of the name of Death Rituals. Led by legendary gore growler, Chris Barnes (ex-CANNIBAL CORPSE) the group has proved to be one of the most consistent groups, both in style and steadfastness, in the global death metal scene. Death Rituals continues the style of down-tuned, mid-paced churns they first established in their inception in 1995, although said album does bring a few surprises, albeit subtle ones.

Death Rituals begins with a track bearing a name one would expect from these horror-movie-themed maniacs, Death by Machete. Faint clean guitar tones provide a melodic interlude, setting an ominous tone for the ensuing limb-ripping rhythms. 'Into the Crematorium' makes a similar entrance with alternating notes of bass and clean guitar played at a low volume. The instrumental Crossing the River Styx brings more dark melodies, in turn instilling the band with a fresh perspective. Involuntary Movement of Dead Flesh and Killed in Your Sleep shows the group step down the pace even further from the medium rate they normally travel into doom metal territories.

Without a doubt, the biggest surprise of the album is the MÖTLEY CRÜE cover, 'Bastard.' The said track, like SFU's album of covers, retains the early metal sound of the original, but obviously features Barnes's grizzled voice.

With Death Rituals, SFU has brought some new ideas to the table, but this is still the same SIX FEET UNDER. The guitar tones are grittier, but the majority of the rhythms still harken back to the gigantic chords of legendary Florida death metal acts as OBITUARY and early DEATH. Chris Barness return to the ultra low, guttural voice he brought to CANNIBAL CORPSE definitely raises the value of this release, especially considering the poor performance on Bringer of Blood. He shows he still has it, but his age is evident because his voice slightly shakes.

SIX FEET UNDER could best be compared to another band that the group once covered, AC/DC. AC/DC recently released an album, which many critics make the claim of it sounding like all their other stuff. When you buy an AC/DC record, you know what you are getting. SFU is no different. SFU is what it is and most listeners either hate or love the band with little in between. If you love SFU, Death Rituals will certainly be to your liking.

note: 7.5/10

Tracklist

1. Death By Machete
2. Involuntary Movement Of Dead Flesh
3. None Will Escape
4. Eulogy For The Undead
5. Seed Of Filth
6. Bastard
7. Into The Crematorium
8. Shot In The Head
9. Killed In Your Sleep
10. Crossroads To Armageddon
11. Ten Deadly Plagues
12. Crossing The River Styx
13. Murder Addiction
Total playing time 49:11

Line-up

Chris Barnes – Vocals
Terry Butler – Bass
Greg Gall – Drums
Steve Swanson – Guitars