Six Feet Under - 13
Metal Blade Records - 3984-14527-2 - March 22nd, 2005
By Josh Phillips
Six Feet Under are back in 2005, with this, their eighth full-length bludgeoning. This band really needs no introduction, as one of the metal underground's most prominent names, most will be familiar with their past work. Having said that,
13, is an album that should be looked into by all metal fans, regardless of their history with this band.
To begin, this is quite possibly
Six Feet Under's most aggressive output to date. Barnes changed the recording process for this album, having the band enter the studio directly after coming off of a tour, hoping to capture that energy and not let up, and he succeeded perfectly. The band wrote the album in the studio and in doing so, was able to bring some fresh elements to the table and captured a feeling of intensity that flows over every part of this release.
In fact, this album reminds in many ways of
Maximum Violence and is a bit of a throwback to that era in its sound. The production is dirtier this time around and it gives the music a biting edge that truly brings numerous benefits. The record was even produced by mastermind Chris Barnes himself. He was looking for a great sound for this record and it seems he found it. You'll notice from the time Terry Butler's bass rolls in on opening track, "Decomposition of the Human Race," that this release is going to be fast, furious and deadly. One of the main pillars of the band's sound today is guitarist Steve Swanson, who has proved over the years to be a more than adequate replacement for Allen West, and he does so again on
13. A pure riff factory and throughout thirty five minutes and fifty five seconds of mayhem, he never lets up. This record is able to maintain
Six Feet Under's incredibly heavy sound, while adding some new, fresh elements. But, one thing that hasn't changed is the solid lead work that comes off as nice and bluesy at times. "Somewhere in the Darkness," a track that ranks right up there with the excellent "Beneath a Black Sky" from the debut, is a perfect example of this. This record, as a whole, may even be the best thing this band has put out since that powerful debut,
Haunted, and it will certainly challenge it over time.
As always, Chris Barnes' vocals are low, pummeling and powerful, he is in tip top shape once again. But, not only are his vocals spot on, he is back with another vile slab of lyrics. Discussing various ways to die, the grim reaper and thoughts on being buried six feet down. Anyone who thought he may be changing direction after
Bringer of Blood will have a treat in-store when they encounter
13. Chris is back to his roots, exploring grim death.
Complementing Barnes, Swanson and Butler is drummer Greg Gall, who really gets to break loose on this album and batter away at his kit like a madman. All of these musicians are in top form on their latest album, constructing brutal grooves and tunes that will get your headbanging, alive or dead. Catchy, killer riffs pack songs such as "Shadow of the Reaper," so crank it up, sit back, and take it in, possibly with a group of friends who just wanna have a good time. This record is loud, in your face, and as Chris said, "Will rip your fucking heads off." No filler here, just 35:55 of pure aggression, so if you happen to have a penchant for headbanging to some grooving, grinding music, throw this on and enjoy.
9/10
Official Six Feet Under Website
Official Metal Blade Records Website
