New Music Review: DEICIDE ‘Banished By Sin’

Rating: 8.5 / 10 Stars

DEICIDE is: Glen Benton (vocals, bass), Steve Asheim (drums), Chris Cannella (guitar), Taylor Nordberg (guitar)

REVIEW – DEICIDE, the titans of death metal, return with their thirteenth studio album, ‘Banished By Sin,’ released on April 26, 2024. This album is a fierce testament to their unwavering commitment to the genre and their ability to push boundaries while staying true to their brutal roots. Over the course of 12 tracks, DEICIDE delves into themes of darkness, sin, and blasphemy, offering listeners a relentless auditory assault that cements their legacy in the death metal scene.

The album kicks off with “From Unknown Heights You Shall Fall,” a track that immediately sets the tone with its rapid drumming, razor-sharp riffs, and Glen Benton’s growling vocals. The song’s intensity grabs the listener from the outset, with Steve Asheim’s drumming delivering a punishing backdrop to the malevolent atmosphere created by Chris Cannella and Taylor Nordberg’s guitar work. “Doomed To Die” follows, combining breakneck speed with crushing heaviness, showing DEICIDE‘s expertise in balancing brutality with musical precision. Benton’s vocals are particularly commanding here, delivering blasphemous lyrics with an intensity that echoes the band’s earlier works.

“Sever The Tongue” and “Faithless” bring in blistering guitar solos and pummeling rhythms that display DEICIDE‘s signature sound while introducing fresh elements. The tracks weave intricate riffs with moments of chaotic aggression, highlighting the band’s growth over their extensive career. “Bury The Cross…With Your Christ” is a standout, characterized by its menacing atmosphere and unrelenting energy. The relentless speed and thematic boldness make it a direct affront to organized religion, a hallmark of DEICIDE‘s confrontational approach to songwriting. The track captures the band’s unyielding spirit and dedication to pushing the boundaries of death metal.

In the latter half of the album, “Woke From God” and “Ritual Defied” continue the auditory onslaught. These tracks showcase the band’s ability to craft compelling death metal soundscapes, with complex guitar work and fierce drumming. “Failures Of Your Dying Lord” and “Banished By Sin,” the title track, push the thematic envelope even further, delving into apocalyptic and heretical themes. Their dense, multi-layered compositions are underscored by a powerful vocal delivery that reinforces the album’s dark narrative. The album culminates with “The Light Defeated,” a crushing finale that leaves no doubt about DEICIDE‘s enduring prowess in the genre. It is an embodiment of the band’s brutal ethos, offering a relentless barrage of riffs and guttural vocals that linger long after the music fades.

‘Banished By Sin‘ is not just another album; it’s a reaffirmation of DEICIDE‘s status as pioneers in death metal. The album stands as a testament to their evolution, pushing their sound into even darker and more aggressive territories. It draws from the band’s rich history while exploring new depths, showcasing their ability to remain relevant in an ever-changing metal landscape. The production is tight and polished, enhancing the album’s ferocity without losing the raw edge that DEICIDE fans have come to love. Each track is meticulously crafted, blending unrelenting speed with moments of crushing heaviness that hit with the force of a sledgehammer.

For longtime fans, ‘Banished By Sin‘ delivers the aggression and thematic boldness expected from DEICIDE. It shows the band’s relentless drive to evolve and maintain their place as one of death metal’s most formidable acts. For new listeners, this album serves as a gateway into the unholy realms of DEICIDE‘s music, offering a compelling introduction to the band’s signature sound. In a genre that often struggles to maintain its edge, DEICIDE proves they still have the fire and fury to lead the charge, solidifying their legacy with yet another brutal chapter.