The Pitch: The fifth album from French death metallers Fleshdoll. FFO: Decapitated, Cannibal Corpse, Job for a Cowboy
What I Like: Fleshdoll mixes old school brutality with technical playing that does not come off overly self-indulgent or tastelessly complex. The whole record has a Decapitated vibe, which is always a VERY good thing. This is perhaps most notable in the drumming: there is an abundance of pummelling double bass to augment the death metal riffage. The sound is also at times reminiscent of Suneater-era Job for a Cowboy, mainly due to the vocal performances and proficiency of the bassist. The band draws upon thrash and melodic death influences in a way that does not feel forced and keeps thing interesting. This album is groovy as hell and will keep you headbanging to songs that you will want to keep coming back to.
What I Don't Like: The instrumental and ambient tracks on the record somewhat miss the mark. It seems that their purpose is to develop the overall atmosphere and vibe, but I found myself skipping them time and time again. The songs can also occasionally get a little formulaic/generic, but you can't really knock them for it because they are still good songs.
The Verdict: A great band continuing to bring their brand of death metal to the masses. Stream it below.
O.D.D.'s Fav's: Blood Red Path, Beast in You, Tanka
-Old Dirty Dan