Album Review: Deathblow - Insect Politics
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
As I drag my weary carcass to the end of a year that I want to see the back off, it’s time to pick out the final juicy morsels from the remaining releases. Amongst the bones of the fading metal feast, Deathblow’s ‘Insect Politics’ stands apart. A shiny gem to cherish, greedily prised away before the rest of the pride can notice. This is a precious treasure but unlike Gollum, I am duty bound to share my findings to the outside world.
Deathblow play a savage punk infused thrash, their raw edge essential to their vibrant old school sound. And yet, ‘Insect Politics’, their sophomore release, is vibrant and contemporary. At 34 minutes in length, it’s not a huge album but it more than makes up for the shortness with banger after absolute banger.
‘Brain Bugs’ opens the album, an intro of classic heavy metal, riffs reminiscent of the mighty Cirith Ungol for the first minute or so before a rumbling bass riff leads to an explosion of rampant thrash which rarely slows for the rest of the album. Careering around like a joy ridden vehicle, there is an anarchic feel which is totally infectious. Slicing guitar solos, blasting drumming, and raging vocals, it’s all here. ‘Accelerated Decrepitude’ follows, an irresistible chugging riff getting the head nodding. There are elements of Power Trip, S.O.D and Toxic Holocaust amongst a myriad of others that surge through ‘Insect Politics’.
Don’t think for one minute that Deathblow don’t focus on the serious subject matter though as this follow up to 2014’s ‘Prognosis Negative’ takes a deep dive into the madness of the 21st Century. The band explore subjects of isolation, digital dementia, radicalisation, paranoia, and the breakdown of politics in the modern world.
The musicianship is first class, the songs well-constructed and the opportunity to use Jeff Goldblum’s fabulous Insect Politics quote from The Fly on the title track was clearly too tempting not to use. It’s a savage and raucous track, explosive and punishing in a brilliantly enjoyable way. Guitarist Holgar also provides the spot-on vocal delivery, a combination of Cronos, Billy Milano and Mille Petrozza bringing just the right amount of vitriol and contempt.
Combining short sharp aggressive tracks such as ‘Convert or Die!’ with longer five-minute songs including ‘Through the Eyes of Delusion’, the Salt Lake City outfit have nailed the balance perfectly. It’s an album that gets better on every play, and one that has ticked everything I want on the thrash checklist. Ferocious, razor sharp guitars blend with punishing riffs and a thunderous rhythm section. The only question here is how to pick up the release without incurring those ridiculous US import charges. A shoe in for the end of year top 50, ‘Insect Politics’ should also be on yours.
‘Insect Politics’ will be released on the the band's own label Sewer Mouth Records on 23rd December.
