There’s something vivid about the concept of “insect politics”. Insects do give a certain impression. This fits in to the world of Deathblow, who deal on this punk-death metal album with various forms of decay and breakdown in the 21st century – insect politics in other words.
“Brain Bugs” lulls us into a false sense of security, building up a quiet storm before a nice bass solo and then it’s all ramped up into angry energy. “They’ve made themselves at home, moulding your thoughts into their own, penetrating further inside, consuming you inside” goes the lyric, ominously. Hard battery, motion and melody follows from the men from Utah. The drummer fires ten to the dozen while the vocalist raucously preaches his sermon. Twists of death metal add to the fun. There’s a little twirl from the bass guitar, and “Accelerated Decrepitude” spews out a flurry of metal before returning to that interestingly downtrodden punk thrash style. There’s a lot going on here and a lot to enjoy. It’s fast and hard and dirty. The riffs are strong, and even though there’s all this mayhem going on, the song structures are solid. “Have you ever heard of insect politics”, we’re asked. This is the prelude to the dirty piece of rock n roll that is the title song. Deathblow serenade us with a nasty but a wholly enjoyable rumbling number. The deathly punkish warfare continues through passages of bitterness, defiance and disgust alternating with adrenaline-pumping thrash. The tension and excitement build up on “Through the Eyes of Delusion”, another tight and structurally colourful piece. The quality of the instrumental work and structures shine through constantly, none more so than on the rampantly twisting “Agent Zero”. The vibrant rumble flows through the floor for one final time with “Behind Closed Doors”, but as ever Deathblow infuse it with dark and sophisticated instrumental work, and an imperious tone of defiance.
Musically, “Insect Politics” crosses genres and is all the better for it. Deathblow’s music is intricate, hard-hitting and invigorating. The end result is a powerful package with a powerful social message. Full of balls and attitude, it’s a great listen.
(8/10 Andrew Doherty)
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