What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a good slab of old school death metal? The debut album for Zombie Inc. was released to the world on February 14, and I am sure it was the soundtrack for many a candlelight dinner. Well ok probably not, but it definitely reeks of ironic humor if you ask me. Arriving from Massacre Records, you have a nice entry to what has been a growing resurgent throwback to the days of yore.

Anytime old school death is brought up, comparisons to the usual suspects are almost inevitable: Entombed, Obituary, early Cannibal Corpse, etc. Over the past year or two Razorback Records has hit some home runs in that realm with bands such as Revolting, Skeletal Spectre and Decrepitaph, among others. What you have in Zombie Inc. is a cast that is no stranger to the extreme metal scene, starting with former Pungent Stench vocalist Martin Shirenc. Guitarist Wolfgang Rothbauer (Disbelief, Eisblut, In Slumber) and drummer Tomasz Janiszewski (Belphegor, Fleshcrawl, Debauchery) add further experience to the ranks.

What these horror movie inspired freaks bring to the party is definitely along the more “modern” classic death sound, and they mix things up wonderfully on this album. From “Grim Brutality”, which opens up with one of the album’s catchiest mid-pace riffs and finishes with an impressive solo, to full-on death metal speed title track “A Dreadful Decease”, this album brings a little bit of everything to the table. You get blast beats, chugs, and wall-shaking double bass. The whole experience is punctuated by a gloriously filthy guitar tone, and a heavy mastering job by Dan Swano that adds weight to this beast. Add in a strong dose of groove to the whole recipe, and while it won’t be called original, it’s hard not to like what you’re being served.

It’s worth noting that Shirenc’s decipherable growl adds the final twisted touch, allowing you to pick out such heartwarming lyrics as ‘Tearing the flesh/eat your nipples’ (“We Must Eat!”). Some of the lyrics are obviously delivered with tongue firmly planted in cheek, and confirms that these five Austrians must have had a blast putting this solid album together.

 

[Visit the band's website]

---

Comments