Deranged, The Redlight Murder Case
The seventh release from Sweden’s Deranged features not only a new bass player (Thomas Ahlgren), but also a new lead vocalist in the form of Martin Schonherr. I’m not sure how well the new growler stacks up against past Deranged releases, but I can tell you this… the dude knows how to throw down some ugly, guttural growls and gurgles. Even with the recent additions to the line-up, the group still knows how to shred throw some American death metal flavored destruction.
High paced rhythms built from raw, brutal drumming and thick bass lines combine for truly cataclysmic results as Deranged careen through manic blasts and crushing grooves. The guitars are equally as adept at laying down some straight forward, brutal riffs as they are capable of filleting the flesh from your bones with searing leads and hooks. The vocals are pretty impressive, especially the speed at which they are delivered. Schonherr’s guttural delivery is spewed out at swift cadences and as low beastial growls with great effectiveness.
Watch Me When I Kill
The fist song on The Redlight Murder Case erupts with violent riffs and uncontrollable drums. The vocals are thick and incomprehensible as the pace overwhelms and swallows the listener in a gnashing, bloody mess. The slow down and vocal growl combo right before the start of the second minute is a nice change of pace, as is the searing solo at the 1:15 point and beyond. This is an unstoppable track that is high paced and aggressive, yet has a pretty damned impressive bit of groove to it.
Strip Nude for Your Killer
The second track on the album keeps the blood flowing from slit throats with driving rhythms and aggressive growls from Schonherr. Big blasts and tempo changes appear all over this one as the band pummels their way through raw, violent tones. The explosion of drums at the 1:05 mark is inhuman. There’s some nice grooves flowing through this one. The chugging monstrosity of riffs and guttural cadence right after the three minute mark is insane. Another tempo shift and impressive vocal delivery at the 4:40 mark will send chills up your tortured spine.
Gently Before She Dies
“Gently Before She Dies” opens up with some Cannibal Corpse inspired guitar squeals as Deranged tear through guttural growls and beefy riffs. Lots of tempo changes and creative layering of elements prove to make this one a standout track even with the Corpse mimicking.
Light Murderess
I love the opening guitar work before the band descends into brutal madness with suffocating rhythms and crushing riffs. And as far as Schoneherr’s vocals go on this album, I don’t care how much different they are then his predecessor’s they freakin’ rule — consistently guttural, yet can carry a cadence well. There are some nice chaotic moments throughout “Light Murderess.”
So Sweet, So Dead
Nasty drum work opens up “So Sweet, So Dead” as a series of huge growls let’s you know the band means business on this one. Light guitar work accompany creative drums and cadenced growls to produce head banging fun. The chorus on this one is pretty damned catchy as the band shows their versatility well throughout the track. The layered guitars at the two minute mark add a nice layered dimension to the band’s sound.
Killer Wore Black Gloves
Chugging riffs combined with guitar squeals and pummeling drums really make the opening few moments of this one quite memorable. The catchy groove to this one will have you grinning maniacally while head banging like a madman. Several tempo shifts and stalls will keep you thoroughly entertained through crushing riffs, memorable chorus and thundering drums.
Formula for a Murder
An animalistic and chaotic opening to “Formula for a Murder” leaves the impression that the only element within said formula is unadulterated rage. There are some killer tempo changes and creative timing throughout this one. It’s definitely an impressive track. I love the sheer destruction levied after the two minute mark. Wow.
Death Walks on High Heels
Yet more maniacal drum work and thick bass lines attack the listener with an unrelenting fury and hatred. There dudes know how to lay down some brutal slabs of death metal.
Body Puzzle
I sure hope you saved some energy for the last track. You’re definitely gonna need it keeping up with the bludgeoning rhythms and nasty riffs that dominate this track — not to mention guitar insanity like the lead at the 1:12 and 2:10 marks. “Body Puzzle” is one hell of a violent way to end an aggressive blast of destructive death metal.
~ ~ ~
Man, Deranged’s concept release The Redlight Murder Case contains more hatred and violence than I’ve known any album to have in a long time. Unrelenting blasts, driving riffs and a guttural vocal delivery with sick cadences will keep you fully entertained for the albums full length, or else, you know, the band will hunt you down and open your belly wide with a few passes of the blade.
Favorite Tracks:
All of them
Additional Notes:
N/A