Decision D
The Last Prostitute
Reviewed by Tom Edmondson
Though they have at least two other albums, this is the first time I've ever had the opportunity to listen to Decision D. I'm assuming that this band hails from the Netherlands (Holland), since that's where the album was recorded and where the label is located. This would make them countrymen with a great progressive metal band known as Pestilence. How appropriate, because as soon as you hear the first song you'll be struck with the impression that Decision D is a progressive metal band. Ironically, D D sounds more like another progressive metal band from America: Believer. It only took me a few minutes to come to the conclusion that parts of The Last Prostitute sounds a lot like Sanity Obscure. This impression grows with every successive listen.
Unlike Pestilence and Believer, there are no violins, pianos, sopranos, or guitar synths on this disc. Not to worry, in true progressive metal spirit there is a song called "Smoke" which is mostly composed of bass, congas, and assorted other percussion instruments. The song itself, while it has an odd Caribbean feel, seems to fit the album, strangely enough. I like it.
I believe that many progressive metal bands get inspiration from the band Rush. In the song "You Ain't Nothing" vocalist Edwin Ogenio does a most impressive Geddie Lee; that is, in between the Mike Lee parts. (Is there a Lee thing going on?)
Another point of departure for Decision D from the aforementioned bands is a somewhat gruffer sound. It is a sound that puts them close Entombed's Wolverine Blues album (E.P. if you look at the playing time. It was $16.99, nevertheless). All in all, I find that this disc is an interesting mix of sounds and styles that is best described as progressive metal in the vein of Believer's Sanity Obscure; but, in true progressive metal style, contains other sounds and concepts which make it an album--and a band--that stands up quite well on its own merits.
Other coverage for this album
Heaven's Metal #54Reviewed by David DeStefanoAbandoning their speed and death metal roots on their third project, The Last Prostitute, Decision D has ventured into the world of slower more melodic music. After releasing two lackluster albums, this Dutch quintet switched gears and ran face-first into excellence. The first glaring difference is Edwin Ogenio's singing, which is a great deal more intelligible and more appealing as well. While…