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The latest from Watch Them Die is definitely some good stuff from Oakland's, uh, bastard sons. The name of the new record is, in fact, "Bastard Son" and the sound appropriated here is equal parts Hardcore and Thrash drowning in a pool of aggression while swirling with various Black, Classic, and Death Metal leanings. The band have actually come a long way from their first hit song "Sadist Ways" (off the self-titled debut) while still maintaining all that they have been.
Watch Them Die could also be included in the sub-category "Bastard Sons of Pantera" or maybe more appropriately the "Bastard Sons of Philip Hansen Anselmo" because this blend of old school Thrash and equally old school Hardcore is just massive and crushing. The main vocal style commonly veers into the realm of at least American Black Metal (think Goatwhore) while occasionally being accompanied by some Death Metal growling. Spoken word parts appear, too, as well as note bending chords and great leads that all recall Pantera.
Enough reminiscing, the pace of these songs is primarily fast and faster although 10 songs in almost 48 minutes does not really paint a picture of brevity. A testament to the prowess of Watch Them Die is that these songs do not grow tired or boring for the entire time frame of this album. If anything, this record could bludgeon the listener to death and then the band would, well, do as their name suggests -- they'd simply watch you die.
Great riffs, thick grooves, abusive breakdowns, and shout-along, fist-pumping vocals are all present and work to produce a massive album of Extreme Metal that takes what has been done and blends it in a very effective if not completely original way. Clean guitar parts -- replete with transparent bass licks -- pepper the album and serve to offer some sort of punctuation. "Born to Suffer" opens with clean guitar lines accompanied by a mournful cello, recalling "Call of Ktulu" and then proceeding to subconsciously invoke "Cemetery Gates." Listen for vocal change-ups throughout.
Bonus round: "Battle Lust" thankfully has nothing to do with the GWAR tune of the same name but "Armageddon" is indeed a tribute to Quorthon, who died last year (R.I.P.). This killer cover is clearly updated and fleshed out with 5 musicians instead of 1, not to mention production cues, but this version makes it hard to believe that Bathory recorded this song well over 20 years ago. It is damn nice to see a newer band pay tribute to a true pioneer of the Extreme Metal scene.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Bastard Son |
| 2. Onslaught |
| 3. Throne Of Lies |
| 4. Horizon |
| 5. Belial's Path |
| 6. Under Flames |
| 7. Early Mourning |
| 8. Battle Lust |
| 9. Born To Suffer |
| 10. Armageddon (Bathory cover) |
: 47.57
| Buy other Watch Them Die albums |
