Must have been the name. Although this American band has been active for quite a few times, I must admit that the name really was a reason for me for not putting any attention towards their releases. I also know that I have heard a few songs here and there, but obviously their tag of “ultra brutal American Death Metal” was also a reason for me not to approach more this band. Did I miss something on all this time? Probably not. And while they do start out as a more gore orientated band, their lyrics have changed towards a more political, or should I say, social way of looking at things, with titles as ‘Hopeless Insurrection’ you could have a slight idea. Also, the band “logo” (just a common simple font) and the cover art (more suitable for a videogame like “Max Payne” or something) makes me thing the band just stuck with the name and wen ton ahead. Although I have heard many musicians praising the band about their musical skills, I just find myself looking more for good music, rather than just genius playing riffs like a math exercise. Well, for once DYING FETUS is actually a very competent band. At least in this, their last effort is what I can appreciate, no matter that the production sounds way too “clinical” and synthetic thus loosing a bit of charm on it. On the other hand I appreciate a fat and thick guitar sound. The way the band composes is quite technical to say. And yes, the style is indeed rooted in what brutal Death Metal can be defined as, reminding to me at times to DEICIDE, at times to MORBID ANGEL later works, and a lot more to early SUFFOCATION. Very fast Deathgrind parts are mixed with more groove rhythms and the use of basically deep low growls added with some more high-pitched screams, complements the sounds of the band. Beside, they usually tend to put in their structures some really weird breaks, thus giving the sound of a technical or maybe should I say “experimental” band. To dot this and came out victorious is the difficult part, and I can assure you, that they were able most of the time to do it the right way. But then again, after repeated listening to this one, I cannot remember a damn riff or a song, nor I could make a difference between this band and thousand others that might as well end their name in ATION. It is interesting that although they do have some catchy parts, as an overall product it is not exactly that catchy. Maybe it is that you need to have a special ear for ultra brutal Death Metal, as I know this band has lots of fans, but as for brutal Death Metal is, there are far more interesting and macabre bans than this one. KARNARIUM comes to mind as what I would listen if I wanted to blast some brutal Death Metal. The production also at time makes them to sound dangerously close to some “Metalcore” elements, although they are obviously not in that style, but the drum sound and too polished production makes them to probably fit more in that realm. Yes, I can see them having “Metalcore” fans as well as brutal Death Metal fans. Which in my book, is not exactly a good thing. At the end of the day, if you have enjoyed the band before, you will like this one as well. The Japanese edition contains a pair of extra tracks, one live song and the other a cover version of PESTILENCE. For me, a less technical band, with a less polished sound, will work wonders. There are times when less is more. Well, this is one of those. www.dyingfetus.com, www.myspace.com/dyingfetus, www.relapse.com