DEINONYCHUS - Ode To Acts Of Murder, Dystopia And Suicide LP (White Vinyl)

Gatefold LP (white vinyl) - lim. 200 copies

Deinonychus have made quite a few waves in the late nineties/early 2000s but somehow disappeared into obscurity after their seventh album in 2007. Ten years later they have been back with the strangely titled “Ode to Acts of Murder, Dystopia and Suicide” and just by reading that album name it becomes obvious that this will not be some kind of happy metal. While I am not familiar with their older work this record is an expertly drafter and executed piece of dark and sinister metal.

There are other factors than staying away from the slightly chaotic feeling inherent in most black metal records that could make Deinonychus more interesting for metal fans in general. For one the vocals are aggressive but not too hysterical. While the growling is deep and powerful with a tone reminding more of death metal shouters like Martin van Drunen the lyrics are easily understandable and just a bit less hyperbolic than you might expect on such a release. Beside that the production is quite modern and less fuzzy with a clear and powerful mix. Purists might criticize this approach but to my ears the sound is spot-on. Rounded off by a stunning cover artwork open minded fans of the genre need to go on and check this album out.