DISPLAY OF DECAY: Vitriol (DEATH METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Display Of Decay is a Canadian brutal death band whose music is peppered with lead riffs and percussive rhythms. After 'Art in Mutilation', the team has been reshuffled, with only Sean Watson (vocals and guitar) remaining on board, his bandmates having left to form Miscreation. Refocused around the guitarist, here is 'Vitriol', whose music could be placed alongside Cannibal Corpse or Morbid Angel. Tough, energetic and fast-paced, the record leaves deep scars, but is that enough to set it apart?

Rivers of acid flow through 'Vitriol', which delivers everything you could hope for in terms of terror and power. The lead riffs, dirty guitars, hard-hitting rhythms and growling vocals demonstrate mastery and expertise. Over the course of some thirty minutes, Display Of Decay shows his violence on precise tracks ('Hot Lead Vengeance') backed by effective riffs ('Vitriol') and a bass that slams and explodes in the middle of a tidal wave of saturation ('The Butcher'). To complete the picture, a few technical notes dot the tracks ('Legion Of Doom'). The band summons the spirits of Malevolent Creation when the solitary guitars are dressed in dissonance and vibratos drawn out to the breaking point ('Vitriol') or the shadow of Iron Maiden with fine melodic lets that glow in pallid clarity ('The Butcher' and 'Legion Of Doom'). Unfortunately, the vocals lack variety, overusing the same motifs from track to track... Finally, the packaging is of a high standard, from the superb cover which surrounds the record with an aura of mystery and dread, to the production which lightens up the suffocating tracks.

Despite its qualities, 'Vitriol' lacks variety and risk-taking. Very well executed, skilfully composed and perfectly recorded, it struggles to stand out, leaving an impression of uniformity. It's a nice record, brimming with dark energy, but too predictable and classic. - Official website

DISPLAY OF DECAY

VITRIOL

AUTRE LABEL

DEATH METAL