Deicide
Scars Of The Crucifix

THE REVIEW

After the disappointing (according to fans and critics) performances with Roadrunner, Deicide changed labels and returned to the music scene in 2004 with "Scars Of The Crucifix", which many defined as a return to the origins and the violence that characterized the band's early works under the leadership of Glen Benton.

Speaking of Glen Benton (the group's singer and bassist), it's practically impossible not to focus on his figure, as controversial as it is loved: as you might guess, he is not exactly the classic boy next door! In fact, aside from his vocal abilities, this character has gained notice for his oddities, all revolving around his proud devotion to Satanism; suffice it to say that he has a burnt-in inverted cross on his forehead. But let's forget about it, it's better to stop always talking about everything beyond music and start talking a bit about this album.

Nine total tracks, just under half an hour of pure violence in brutal death flavor, fast and no-frills songs, with sharp riffs, a demonic rhythm section, and short but direct solos. All accompanied by Benton's growl, beautiful, violent, aggressive, at times even backed by background screams. There isn’t even a moment of slowness, there's no trace of melodies, no useless virtuosity; there are only fast and direct blows, sometimes even catchy, like the beautiful "Fuck Your God," or the title track, which is also wonderful. But be careful, this does not mean that the songs are boring and all alike, quite the opposite. Certainly, longtime fans will not crown it as the group's best album, but the fact remains that it's a good performance, even though it's hard to compare it to their initial historic albums. Also, thanks to its short duration, it can be appreciated even by those who are not very familiar with death metal and the like.

The lyrics, as usual, are strictly blasphemous and have the sole purpose of pouring hatred on Christians and the Catholic religion; praising, on the contrary, Mr. Satan. An example? "When Heaven Burns", where certain hostility towards those who believe in the Lord can be glimpsed: "Murdering Christians and torturing them / Conquering churches and slaughtering lambs / Doing it all for my love of Satan / (I love you Satan, my lord)"... Personally, it doesn't bother me at all to hear these kinds of things (despite not having a membership card for Beelzebub's church :)), in fact, it makes me smile, at times I even find it fun... If people are still scandalized by such lyrics, then we're in real trouble! And it is also for this reason that I appreciate this album.

In short, a beautiful, violent, fast, direct, blasphemous, pleasant, quite accessible, at times even catchy, and in some cases even amusing album (although for many it might not seem so)... Recommended!