Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Six Feet Under Crypt of the Devil Company: Kscope Release: 2015 Genre: Death Reviewer: Greg Watson

The weakest album to date by SFU

I have been a fan of Six Feet Under since the band released "Warpath" way back in 1997. "Crypt of the Devil" is by the far the weakest album to date by SFU and certainly their weakest of the last three releases.

Vocalist Chris Barnes used to have what I considered to be "the death metal voice" for a long time. But now it seems that either vocal chord damage or father time has caught up and his voice just doesn't have the menace and ferocity it once did. His vocals now tends to lean toward the more high pitched shrieks and squeals that just don't really cut it for me and an entire album of that is just incredibly difficult to deal with. The songs have the same gore-splattered lyrics and themes, albeit with a more realistic twist as the genre dictates these days. Musically the band sounds great, with guitarist Steve Swanson sounding just as tight as he did when he first came into the fold in 1998. The drumming of Marco Pitruzzella is a welcome injection of speed and bombast that was much needed and Jeff Hewell's bass sounds like a demon belching after feasting on his share of souls. But the musical progression and solidity cannot make this album something it isn't--listenable. Although I've listened to it twice, I've not made it through without having to skip through each track after about 45-50 seconds.

For those long time fans, they may buy this album and they may like it. There's nothing wrong with staying loyal. But for those casual death metal fans and fans who want to spend their money on a good album, keep your money away from this album.