Detritus has followed up its debut with one kickin' sophomore effort. What this album suffers from in lack of promotion, the music makes up for in sonic and stylistic quality. This now-extinct British quartet put meaning behind the saying of, "Do your best for God and country," because this disc is loaded with good ole, blistering heavy metal.
Instead of merely putting in a typical speed metal showing, Detritus adds plenty of unexpected textures, accents and creative approaches. Take, for instance, the jazzy acoustic intro to "Masquerade." It's something you'd expect from a Lanny Cordola project -- plenty of great melody harmonized with some competent picking. When the song kicks into first gear, the band roars with lead guitar authority. The band goes straight for high gear once the verses hit, where bassist Mark Broomhead belts out an angry lyric. When he reaches the chorus, he slows down each note to achieve a haunting, Guy Ritter-like sound.
Other highlights include the gutsy "Sailor's Farewell," a sea shanty tailored after many a traditional song of British sailors. You can feel a merry pub atmosphere as they sing it -- making you want to hold up a mug of (root) beer and shout, "Aye-yi Cap'n" right in to your stereo as the band rocks it up.
The tones (or should I say "Ka-runch!") of guitarists Earl Morris and Andy Neal are really what make this album work. Their wall of sound will pass the Metallica-test of strength. One such example is a tune with the unlikely title "Let Peace Begin With Me." Another massive riff is in the grind-like chorus of the title track. "Father To Son" probably wins the "best riff" award, though. It's hev-vee!!
"Feel" is an interesting departure, an acoustic number with plenty of building passion -- enough to make sense on a Red Sea album. It's a cool prayer-like song that culminates in a thanksgiving praise.
Detritus deserves respect. At least this album does. I've had this disc in my deck for weeks and it's stood a time test of repeated listenings. This album is a shocker, in that it's an unexpected knockout punch from England's best Christian metal import. Shame on Kingsway Music for keeping to from these shores for over a year!