Dying Fetus, War of Attrition

“at·tri·tion: a wearing down or weakening of resistance, esp. as a result of continuous pressure or harassment”

We can certainly agree that there is no attrition in the Dying Fetus camp. While it’s been four long years since the last album, there’s no denying that their latest studio effort has been the strongest release since Destroy the Opposition. Mixing socio-politically charged lyrics sure to piss a few people off with some of the more aggressive riffs and breakdowns that I’ve heard in a while, Dying Fetus deliver one hell of an album.

I think we can safely say that 2006-2007 has seen a resurgence of some of the more establish metal acts. Bands like Deicide, Cannibal Corpse, and Suffocation have all asserted their claim to the unholy crown of metal the past year or so. Just as those just mentioned, Dying Fetus have pulled no punches in this relentless, aural attack. The dual vocal attack — a combination of mid range growls with nearly indecipherable guttural grunts — make for a hell of an experience. The crushing guitars and unstoppable drums just batter the message further into your skull.

Homicidal Retribution
The opening track starts off quickly with a sick riff and extended growls to set the stage properly. The drums don’t let up once throughout the song. Screw the south beach diet, let’s get some fatties in death metal bands and they can double kick thousands of calories away on every song. You can tell it’s been a while since I’ve listened to their debut. I’m just too stoked for this album already and it’s only the first track.

Fate of the Condemned
“Fate of the Condemned” starts off right where the opening track left off — sheer devastation. It’s a bit slower and sludgier than the first song, but it doesn’t take anything away from the momentum of the album so far. The solo just past the half way point is killer.

Raping the System
A little variety on the drums and a bit of melody get this one going. That doesn’t last long though. The band gets right back in to beating us upside the head with a rusty hammer. I’m going to take it that, based on the lyrics, these guys don’t care much for reality television.

Insidious Repression
The shortest track on the album (still over 3 and a half minutes), “Insidious Repression” is a bit more technical than the previous tracks. Strictly timed guitar and drumming really make this one a great track.

Unadulterated Hatred
There’s nothing but violent hate for everyone in this one. The opening breakdown is pretty damned crushing, but runs smoothly into the meat of the track.

The Ancient Rivalry
The dual vocals really stand out on “The Ancient Rivalry.” The dynamic between is unmatched on the rest of the album. This is probably my favorite track on the album.

Parasites of Catastrophe
Some creative guitar works leads us into this track as the drums fire away relentlessly.

Obsolete Deterrence
The final track on the album starts off with some insane drums and tearing guitar work. This is one of the few tracks that you actually can’t even use the liner notes to follow along with the vocals. The delivery is so guttural and unintelligible. I love it! There is no outro, no instrumental. The album ends as abruptly as it started.

~ ~ ~

So far this is one of the best albums of the short year. It’s got devastating drums that never let up even after you’re left beaten and bloody after the first couple of tracks. The dual vocal attack is coordinated well hits with the precision of a sledgehammer. If you like your death metal with plenty of thrash and grim lyrics, then go no further than Dying Fetus

Favorite Tracks:
Raping the System
Insidious Repression
The Ancient Rivalry

Additional Notes:
n/a