Screamin’ Dæmon – The Decline Of The English Murder
Identified By Dental Records – 31st October 2004
By Russell Garwood
More offensive than one of Lee_B’s avatars,
The Decline Of The English Murder is a concept album based on some of the most marvellously sadistic serial killers Britain has ever spawned. And many of the songs are set to the tunes of nursery rhymes or traditional ditties. Think it sounds funny? Damn right, it’s absolutely fookin hilarious, in a very, very wrong kind of a way. Reverend Trudgill - “a real life reverend who via his dabbling in black magic has fallen from grace and taken the left-hand path” - the man behind the project, has his tongue firmly planted in his cheek throughout. But I digress, somewhat.
Screamin’ Dæmon play black metal, at times so fast it shows slight grind leanings; insanely paced blasting drums courtesy of Ravenous “Monty” Montague, aptly placed horror film samples from Rabid Reginald Fox, and Trudgill’s tight, melodic guitars are all well performed. Black-metal screams over the top are excellent, while the catchy melodies make for a far more accessible sound. Standouts include “The Brady Bunch”, set to the tune of “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” (“If you go onto the moors today, you’re in for a big surprise….”) and the just plain wrong “What Shall We Do With The Evil Doctor?” (“His name was Harold Shipman, he killed more people than a hitman”). Not to forget “The Big Ripper Sings ‘Sadistic Rape’ At Bingley Working Men’s Social Club”; you have to hear it to believe it.
The Decline Of The English Murder comes recommended to those who want to see an interesting slant on black metal, and those with a very, very twisted sense of humour – you just won’t stop laughing…
7.5/10
Official IDB Records website
Official Screamin’ Dæmon website
