Maximum Metal Reviews

Maximum Metal Rating Legend

5	Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4	Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5	Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3	Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2	Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1	Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0	Terrible - Waste of your life and time.
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Band

Deathstars

Title

The Perfect Cult

Type

LP/EP

Company

Nuclear Blast

YOR

2014

Style

Industrial

Popular Reviews

8/29/2014 - Review by: T. Ray Verteramo

Deathstars
The Perfect Cult

Company: Nuclear Blast
Release: 2014
Genre: Industrial
Reviewer: T. Ray Verteramo

It's been done

There is no question of talent here. There is no question why or how this talented band from Sweden came to be signed – they have the perfect formula: They're gimmicky, not bad looking, and, to be perfectly honest, know how to write good songs. Whatever may be said for Deathstars, this latest effort is well-crafted, extremely well-produced, and beautifully done on its own merit.

Full of dynamic, powerful integrations of complimentary and contrasting sounds, "The Perfect Cult" makes for what could be considered "the perfect album" for the industrial vein of Metal. "Explode" doesn't actually conflagrate as the title suggests, but it is rich with visual-inducing sounds and motifs. The title track pummels with strong drums and lyrics and balances power with catchiness. "Asphalt Wings," which starts with a twist on the cliché haunting music box intro, builds up then pounces into innovative chord progressions and riffs, while "Bodies" and "Temple of Insects" take a dash of classic 80's electronic signatures and adds a gothic crunch to sternum. It is a truly excellent effort, but with one great big, fat, major problem…

It's been done.