Benediction - Killing Music

BACK IN TIME:
http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Death Metal

It'd be good (since they're not defunct) that they do a follow-up from this album. It's quality death metal though Birmingham based band that's been in existence for quite some time now. Former vocalist Barney who's with Napalm Death exclusively still measures up in supreme quality. That's for sure, though this one deserves a "75" because the production was a little bit pithy. Aside from that, the music is great, not to mention original, too. They change it up a bit on here it's not too fast tempo-wise, but brutal. This whole album is doggone brutal. They're still good even without Barney on vocals.

All the tracks are catchy guitar-wise. Catchy and unique. And that double bass drum kicking ass alongside the tremolo picked axe-work. These guys have been awesome throughout the years. Let's hope they will work on new material, if they're still thinking about it! They sure are unique as stressed they're also a healthy contribution to the death metal community. They know how to write some killer licks with a minimal amount of lead guitar work. They stick mostly with rhythm work but it's so darn amazing. I enjoyed every minute of this release. They really know how to make substantial death metal that's not humdrum.

The guitars and vocals are the highlight, but I thought the drum-work was pretty awesome as well. I only have a beef with the production, that's all. But maybe they wanted it to have sort of a raw sound. Especially for the time of the recording (2008). I'm sure that's what her intention was. Since they know especially what they're looking for to release to the public. I would've liked it if they totally took out all of the lead guitar (as little as there was) since it'd carry the brutality and anger in the music. Benediction thrives on rhythms, chunky and heavy tremolo picked. But they still did a great job here.

This album is definitely worth buying (now also with a new vynil limited edition). I bought it because I liked what I heard on Spotify. I'm not as familiar with their older work with Barney as I am with their modern lineup. But let's hope that they decide to play more of their Birmingham based death metal to the millennials. They definitely need to hear this one if they haven't already. From start to finish this one slays in the riff department. It's really heavy and catchy. I wouldn't expect them to play any other way. And the vocals/drums compliment the music. Get this album because it'll do the world of death metal well for more support. (Death8699)

(Nuclear Blast/Back on Black - 2008/2023)
Score: 75

https://www.facebook.com/Benedictionband/ 

Benediction - Scriptures

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Death Metal

This is a bit milder than 'Killing Music', their last release, but the riffs seem to be better. I think it's fair to say I've listened to the album enough to the point to where I can write a comprehensive review. I'd say that everything about this album is good. It's not overtly brutal, though the riffs are fresh. And it should not have taken 12 years before releasing anything that could've been released. However, 45+ minutes of music to making good death metal. Being a Birmingham based band, these guys have been around for a WHILE. It was actually Barney from Napalm Death's first band. Though I believe that they were a lot different back then.

I feel that 'Killing Music' and 'Scriptures' are going to be the only Benediction that I'm going to own. Not much of a fan of the older material, though I fully respect the band. The music on here is slow, but the riffs are totally fresh. And the vocals kick ass, they seep in deep into the music. I cannot say that there's a song on here that I dislike because I do like them all. I'm not too familiar with the band themselves because I only own two of their releases. But this one I feel is stronger than 'Killing Music' riff wise and also the production. They really seemed to piece everything together in tandem with the music and voice.

Production quality is top notch and I believe that's a little where 'Killing Music' wasn't as good in. But here we have strong members contributing to the music and voice. They really can belt out some great material. As a friend says: "SMOKES!!!", in response to the whole release. I'd second that. Everything seemed to be right in its place in terms of recording quality and music that's better than average. It's actually an "A" to me. The tempos aren't very fast, but hey! They did a great job with the riffs. Only a few solos, but not too bad. I feel that they ripped in every aspect. And it keeps the listener in key listening to it intensively.

I wanted to hear with this sounded like prior to buying the album and thought that it was good enough to buy the CD. But I collect CD's so that's what resonates with me. Most people nowadays just want what's on Spotify or YouTube. Yeah, you can listen to it on those fronts but I like the physical copies on my CD player. But yeah, they're really high up on here. Everything seems to fit into place all everywhere. Vocals, music, production, mixing and vibe. It totally slays. I would have to say that despite the wait for it, it was worth it. I'm looking to more releases like this from the band till they retire. Get it! (Death8699)

(Nuclear Blast - 2020)
Score: 78

https://www.facebook.com/Benedictionband/