Originally written by Chris Redar
In all of the years grindcore has existed, how is Beaten to Death just now being picked as a moniker? It’s the perfect band name, really. Not only does it sound tough as leather, it serves as a metaphor for the genre itself. And in an ironic twist, this quintet from the capital of super-kickassery (Oslo, Norway, natch) throw the typical conventions and stereotypes by the wayside.
The heart that beats at the core of Dødsfest! is grindcore, without a doubt. And the blood that pumps through the limbs contains traces of hardcore and melodic metal. What gives this mutant its superpowers, however, are the intangibles. With the exception of the vocals, this is a live recording, and that feeling of vitality and urgency is at the forefront for the entire duration. And the way the bass rattles behind the guitars like it’s being strummed by the double pedal is just… Excuse me. I need a moment alone.
Okay, now that I’ve cleaned myself off, did I mention the fucking RIFFS? This thing is cranks out the catchy like a Sumerian release cranks out the triggers. “Vulpes Vulpes, Mustela Lutreola, Praedium” intersperses some pretty break-downy parts with fretwork that is best described as inspirational. Picture Andy Dufresne on his knees in the rain while Red is describing his brilliant escape plan- that’s what this riff feels like. Most albums would kill for a moment of that caliber. Dødsfest! dusts these albums off of its shoulder and pumps nearly every track full of them. Following this massive opener is lead single “The Egg Thrower”, which focuses more on the stomp than the blast. Another tip of the cap for the sequencing here- the exceptional flow of tunes makes for an exceptional listening experience. This should be in the 101-B course on how to write an ‘extreme’ music album, if not a remedial prerequisite.
On top of that, Beaten to Death aren’t even taking themselves seriously. With song titles such as “True Norwegian Internet Metal Warrior” (fucking awesome track) and “The Flesh Prince With Swell Hair” (also, fucking awesome track), it stands to reason that at least one member of the band owns a slip-and-slide- that is to say, they know how to have a good time and still rock the party, party.
There is one particular ditty here that is already jockeying for position as song of the year. “Døv Døvere Død” will be stuck in your head for days, if not weeks. Entire work days have already been spent tapping the drum part onto whatever structure was in reach with whatever object was in hand. And I’m not sure if I mentioned the riffs earlier, but that fucking riff… Excuse me. I need a moment alone.
Let’s pull out one of the cheapest stereotypes available to a critic: Anyone who calls him or herself a grind fan owes it to him/herself to have this in their collection. And let’s go for another cliché: Absolutely essential.
I mean it, though: pay money for this. You shan’t be disappointed.
