Decaying
Encirclement
2012 Hellthrasher ProductionsI was all set to write up a review of Decaying's debut, "Devastate," but then "Encirclement" was released. So we'll talk about it instead (although if you haven't yet heard "Devastate," you should pick up a copy and correct that). Now it's true that Sweden is the king when it comes to death metal from the far frozen north, but there is one thing that bands from Finland have that Swedish bands lack: darkness. Whether it's Demilich, Depravity, Rippikolu, or Decaying, Finnish death metal has always had a darker, murkier, more sinister sound. Maybe this comes from them not using a guitar tone that has the distortion set to "heavy steroid use." Or, it might be the weather. Whatever it is, Decaying have a whole lot of it. Subject-wise, the album focuses on World War II. This isn't really a dig at the band, but that ground has been trod heavily on over the last several years. Hail of Bullets, God Dethroned, Pentacle... those are just a few of the names of bands that have done albums centering on The Big One. Enough. It's all but played out. Pick a different war if possible. Hrrmmm... Looking at those three names I just mentioned, perhaps this appeal should be to Dutch bands. It's like they're attempting to gain a monopoly on the subject. As I'm writing this, I'm also hearing that Decaying are starting work on their next album, and are sticking with the WWII theme. I guess whatever my feelings may be for the subject matter, let's hear it for consistency!
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