I promise I don’t just listen to Tech/ Brutal Death Metal. I’m known in some circles as the Slam King a title which I would claim above Ingested (sorry Jay Evans). However, there is more to me than the Slam. I’m also a passionate NWOBHM and Prog Rock fan. Recently I’ve even been getting into Meatloaf (corona hurts us all in different ways). That said I can’t deny that I love the sweeping tones of a guitar and riffs that make my eyes melt out of my skull. Truly Tech is a most majestic form of music and when backed up with helpings of Death Metal it’s a match made in heaven (or hell, depending on how lame you want to be).
One band who have really helped spearhead the Tech Death movement are the mighty Deeds Of Flesh. Formed in 1993 they are arguably one of the biggest pioneers of the genre. Founding member Erik Lindmark stood like a shining beacon to all who worship Tech, and then tragedy struck, he passed away in 2018, a bitter blow to the Death Metal world. In his honour though the band have vowed to soldier on and thus we are gifted with the bands ninth full length Nucleus. How will the band fair however in Erik’s absence, is it sorely felt within the music? Let’s hope this Unique Leader Records release can do his memory justice.
The album begins with the epic introduction of Odyssey, combining a haunting ambience with spoken word. There is a definite and powerful anticipation, the kind one would expect from such a band. Whilst this may seem a long introduction, I think in this instance it’s certainly just. There is still room for a little Death Metal mastery at the songs end also, it’s heavy, pummelling, Tech and everything one would expect from Deeds. Alyen Scourge is the first full track and it’s a delight, a pure display of exactly what Deeds are capable of, if you don’t already love Tech Death then this is sure to change your mind. It’s not too overboard and still within the confines of traditional Death Metal in the same vein that Suffocation are with that teetering upon the Brutal sound. There is a beautiful sense of memorial and community over the tragic passing of Erik Lindmark about this release too with many notable guests including John Gallagher, Corpsegrinder, Matti Way, Jon Zig and many more, it’s a brilliant dedication. Ethereal Ancestors rounds this first half of that album off nicely and Corpsegrinder’s vocals are surprisingly very well complimented by Deeds music, maybe Corpsegrinder should look into injecting some Tech into Corpse at some point?
All this aside though and as much as it pains me to say it there really isn’t a huge amount that jumps out at the listener. This is well constructed Death Metal that’s for sure and not in the least bit disappointing for big Deeds fans. However, it isn’t mind altering and truly I think falls a bit foul of the whole evolution of the Tech scene trait. You see there are so many bands doing things so outside of the box nowadays that pioneers like Deeds can feel a touch lost. Races Conjoined is pretty exciting as I feel it has more of a Tech edge to it, you’ve also got the likes of Matti Way, Frank Mullen and Jon Zig which is obviously pretty massive. What is essentially the final track Terror is also bombastic and very atypically Deeds, powerful stuff if you like your Tech well rounded and old school. I think that album could have done without the final outro that is Onward but nevertheless I see its purpose.
Overall it’s a nice album to be dedicated to Erik’s memory, however that aside and purely judging by the music I’m not stricken with glee. I’m not saying this album is by any means bad it’s just a bit generic at points. This is likely to become a common theme with older Tech bands in the years to come as fresh faces come up to push the envelope further. None the less it’s still a strong release and one that I would still readily recommend to new and old fans alike. The featuring portion is also something that I commend, I often don’t much care for this trait in any form of Rock or Metal but here it’s certainly warranted.
(7/10 George Caley)
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