CATTLE DECAPITATION
"Monolith of Humanity"
Released May 2012
Cattle Decapitation certainly is an organized whole that acts as a single unified powerful or influential force (definition of monolith) but I am not sure that humanity is the word that should be following "Monolith". Actually, if you look at the amazing cover artwork by Wes Benscoter, you'll see they referred to another version of the definition of "monolith", a single great stone often in the form of an obelisk or column. Anyway, Travis Ryan makes his point very clear with this quote, “The monolith really represents technology, and the cover is this trash heap with the monolith atop it and humans scavenging all around it, because that’s all they’re able to do any more. It’s where we’re headed on the course we’re on, and yeah, a lot of kids will say that’s a really negative, shitty attitude to have, but is it not correct?”
"Monolith of Humanity" is the bands seventh full length. Seems crazy a band with the name Cattle Decapitation could survive this long. I have been a sideline fan their entire career. By that, I mean I have enjoyed their music, for the sheer intensity, but, I have had an almost disappointed feel by the band's output. So while enjoyable, Cattle Decapitation's recipe seemed to add one too many pinches of salt. When you need to let loose, no doubt you could drop a needle or press play on just about any Cattle Decapitation track and be perfectly satisfied. But there was too much salt or chives (I couldn't pinpoint what the element specifically was) to elevate them to an almighty status.
"Monolith of Humanity" perfects their recipe. The production, vocal divergence (from guttural to Gollum-like to sung - all appropriately utilized), musical mutations (blistering to orchestral in it's composition), mind boggling percussion (really, that fast? - holy crap), innovative guitar work, all come together in a powerful, aggressive, cohesive death metal work of art.
Check out this video for "Kingdom of Tyrants" (note to the impatient and those not into Pink Floyd-esque introductions, which is actually the song "The Monolith" on the CD, the song blows up - read starts - at about the 4 minute mark)
If you have not given Cattle Decapitation the opportunity to become one of your favorites, let "Monolith of Humanity" convince you it is time. The recipe is perfected. The combination of brutality and extremely well composed songs elevates Cattle Decapitation among the leaders in the metal genre.
Very much looking forward to checking out Cattle Decapitation along with Six Feet Under at Reverb in Reading PA on November 8, 2012.
Take care,
Frank FOE
Frank FOE
Update!!! Cattle Decapitation has pulled off the Six Feet Under tour... they are now playing REVERB on SUNDAY, 11/11/12. It is a 6 to 9 PM show.
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