Filthy Music Review - 'The Deathisodes: In the Universe of Horror'

The Deathisodes – Inside the Universe of Horror (2013)

UKEM Records

Review by Jude Felton

Expectations can be a dangerous thing. With music you’ll quite often listen to a new album, and have some sort of expectation level as what to expect; certainly in terms of musical style. With The Deathisodes you should cast aside any preconceived notions of what the music will be like, and instead go in with an open mind, as Inside the Universe of Horror will probably upset some, while others will embrace its diversity.

Inside the Universe of Horror is actually the second album from The Deathisodes; a solo project from Alex Loader, in which he has amassed a wide-ranging group of musicians from the UK extreme metal scene, and had them contribute on each of the tracks herein. You can find the full list below in the track list section, but needless to say this is an album that is far greater than the sum of its parts.

Musically, you could loosely call the entire album melodic death metal, but that in itself would not really do it justice, or be too accurate to my ears. Opening with the blistering Dead Arising, we are treated to thunderous drums, which themselves are a continuing trend throughout, but also a heavy electronic presence and virtuoso guitar work. This immediately removes it from generic death metal, although that is a strong presence here. However, we can also incorporate industrial metal, old school NWOBHM style (especially a heavy Maiden influence on Whitechapel Mystery) and even some hardcore elements.

Now, you may be thinking that this all sounds like it could come across as a case of too many styles spoiling the album, leaving it a confused mess. You would be very wrong though, as Loader is obviously someone that knows exactly what they want from their music, and as such Inside the Universe of Horror flows perfectly. The drums and electronics bind together the very core of the album, which allows the differing vocal styles and lead/rhythm sections to nestle perfectly on top of this foundation.

The album flows throughout its one hour running time and is brimming full of energy and passion, and due to its many ingredients lends itself to repeat listens. Believe me when I say you are going to keep discovering new elements to this album for weeks and no doubt months, to come.

UKEM Records have, once again, got their fingers right on the pulse of the style of music they take their name from, and delivered an album that continues to keep impressing me. Don’t let the fact that there is a heavy electronic influence dissuade you from checking this out. It’s still heavier than a freefalling herd of Bison, but you also have the added benefit of diversity and flat-out terrific tunes.

As with all other UKEM Record releases there will no doubt only be a limited run of physical CD’s of In the Universe of Horror, so unless you are just happy with digital copies, I suggest you get in their quick sharpish and snap up a copy of this wonderful album.

Track List: 

1. Dead Arising (Quantum Mix feat. Amma Robinson and Benjamin Ellis) (4:16)
2. For Chaos Is Master (feat. Josh McMorran and Sam Bell) (5:45)
3. Black Virus (feat. Jut Tabor and Ollie Roberts) (6:15)
4. Whitechapel Mystery (feat. Ashley Edison and Samhain Carter-Brazier) (5:05)
5. Hellbound (feat. Jake Archer and Nick Richardson) (3:43)
6. Installation 4 (feat. Isak Asplund and Steve Walker) (3:17)
7. Spectral Wasteland (feat. Kieren Radford and James Whitmarsh) (5:55)
8. Silenced To Decay (feat. Steve Kerr and Jut Tabor) (4:05)
9. Project Omega (feat Elliott Alderman-Broom and Benjamin Ellis) (5:21)
10. Nexus Of Fear (composed by Arch Imp) (1:59)
11. The Age Of Atrophy (feat. James Baillie-Hamilton and Jack Gliddon) (4:51)
12. When Death Walks Behind (feat. Alexander Fawcett and Doug Anderson) (8:39)

In the Universe of Horror is released by UKEM Records on June 21st.