Finland’s war commentating death metal mercenaries have moved on a bit in the 3 years since I last took stock of their material. There has been an album and EP since the most excellent ‘Encirclement’ album. That focused lyrically more on the conflict of World War One and at that time, a couple of members were going through Finnish military conscription (National Service to you and I), so their practical application of the lyrical theme will most likely be thoroughly authentic. ‘One to Conquer’ deals with conflicts in Korea and Vietnam and to some extent, the cold war period as described through the tracks ‘Iron Curtain’ and another stunning guitar assault ‘The Balance of Power’ which displays some excellent lead guitar work.
Guitarist and vocalist Matias Nastolin has a similar stance to Asphyx/Hail of Bullets frontman Martin van Drunen’s harsh and often howling vocal rasp, especially noticeable on two of the most stand out tracks of the release. These being ‘The 38th Parallel’ and the ten minute plus epic ‘Ho Chi Minh Trail’. Decaying have never been afraid of writing more epic length songs, that’s been quite a feature of their history. For this album though I am starting to think this is business as usual and the spark is not ignited so quickly this time around for me. It’s starting to become too comfortable to listen to this band. That’s not to say it’s bad, it’s not, its damn fine music, but there aren’t any surprises.
(7.5/10 Paul Maddison)
https://www.facebook.com/Decayingofficial
http://decayingofficial.bandcamp.com/album/one-to-conquer-2014
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