Deracination
Times of Atrocity
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
This band of death metallers from down under has got their musical grit together, for as a unit they emit a tough sound. Vocalist John Courtney goes after the Steve Rowe grovel style of death metal delivery, which usually drives me up the wall after a few listens--but the musical backbone just kills! "Mankind's Search for God" has an ultra deep headbangin' groove that's as sweet to a thrasher as honey is to a bee. "Demonic Destruction" (such sweet song titles) is a killer, all-out aural speed assault on the ears. Guitarists Jon Attwood and Andrew Brown have great tone and sharp axes. The last cut, "Tormented by Darkness," is a good album closer, because the band really gets the lead out during several jams in the three-minute, 55-second time span. This project is as professional as amateur gets and the death metal and thrash fan's best bet this time around. For ordering info, which you'll need (since CD's are going to range from 28 to 50 Australian Dollars), write: Scott Waller, 15 Grasmere Avenue, Northmead NSW 2152, Australia.