Artist:  The Dead Lay Waiting
   Title: Almost Heaven
   Label: Rising Records

They are a five piece band from Swindon and this is their eagerly anticipated second album, following from 2010's highly acclaimed 'We Rise'.  This second slick of death metal uses the abilities of talented lead Luke Sibthorpe – growling and screaming and utilising the ranges between each to propel the album.  (Slight bias here as I absolutely adore his voice!). 

From the opening 'Wake Up', this album ranges around death metal/screamo, using the talents of each member to lead listeners through the twisted tale that is 'Almost Heaven'.  The intro to 'Burnt Ashes' is now a favourite,  as is the rest of the song.  Backed by an extremely talented drummer, the songs slide into each other, with the only notice of a new track being made by the intros/outros, and even this is near unnoticeable, considering how they stream nicely together. 

This is music to headbang and mosh to, making it perfect for any metalhead.  The mix of thrash/death metal is also a perfect 'in' for those wanting an introduction to either or both of the genres, allowing this album to find a bigger audience. 

Stand out songs include 'Burnt To Ashes', the creepy melody outro of 'Always Ask Why' that segues perfectly into 'Voices'.  'Voices' also can be picked out as all/majority of the band sing on this track, which makes a nice change from hearing one lovely (bias!) voice, to hearing all and how they fit neatly together – like a package. Or a band. 

The anthemic opener of 'Interlude' gives an inkling of this being not only a crowd pleaser, but a crowd screamer.  The repetitive guitar opening backed by a perfectly in-time drumbeat encouraging a head bang wherever you listen, regardless of those around you.  This is the seminal track from the album in my eyes, and possible one of the best of The Dead Lay Waiting's songs currently on album.  If this is released as a single, this will be on the 'buy' list. 

The title track and last track on the album, 'Almost Heaven', has what can only be described as the rhythm of a horse running in the intro.  The implementation of the cymbal to lead into each part of the song is by no means innovative, but is certainly effective.  This could be said of the album, but taking the old and making it new isn't new either, although this is one of the best efforts of this I have heard to date.

Review by: Kerry H

Tracklisting:

1. Wake Up
2. This Day Will Be Your Last
3. Take Me Away
4. Decaying King
5. Burnt To Ashes
6. Open Your Fucking Eyes
7. Always Ask Why
8. Voices
9. The Days I'm Gone
10. Interlude
11. Choke On Your Words
12. Pray To Me
13. Look At Us Now
14. Almost Heaven

                   

 

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