Deicide

Scars of the Crucifix (Earache)
By Tim Den

Scars of the Crucifix has been touted by the band, label, and fans as a “return to form” for the mighty Deicide… and rightly so. Nine tracks in under half an hour, unrelentingly pillaging and raping like Satanic vikings infected by that 28 Days Later virus. (Un)holy mother, are these guys pissed off! Guess all the bad reviews of In Hell in Torment got to ’em, huh?

Scars of the Crucifix is a combination of the band’s strengths: Hollering semi-melodic leads, bassist/vocalist Glen Benton’s multi-tracked/polarized growls (sounding more demonic here than ever), and odd time signatures that switch between blast beats and grooves. Highlights “Mad at God,” “The Pentecostal,” and especially “Fuck Your God” (an instant classic) work the formula marvelously, as “catchy yet brutal” is achieved… though not as much as on past releases.

Strangely, though, the production quality – though miles ahead of In Torment in Hell – continues the band’s fondness for mid-rangey drums and guitars. As much as Scars of the Crucifix torches the ears, one can’t help but wonder how much better it would sound with the beefy low end from Legion or Once Upon the Cross flown in. Ah, but these are minor complaints. On the whole, Deicide is back and nastier than ever. Oh, and did I mention that they aren’t too keen on Christianity?
(43 West 38th St. 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10018)