AlbumsNovember 29, 20117,995 views

The Dying Light The Killing Plan


The Killing Plan
1. The Killing Plan MP3 2. All Crowns Fall 3. Jaws of Dis 4. Freezing the Spirit 5. Serve the Hidden Masters 6. The Bodiless 7. Haunting Recollections 8. This World is Sinking
2005 Willowtip Records
Our score 7

12/17/2005

Death metal has always been kind of finicky. Since its inception, it seems like there have been waves of talent in which multiple great bands emerge, and then barren stretches where only a dedicated few carry on the flame. Even though there are many good bands today, it feels like we're in a barren stretch. But fear not, bands like the Dying Light will never let the American styled death metal fall by the wayside. With their newest release for Willowtip titled the Killing Plan, the Dying Light embodies what can best be described as straight up death metal. There is no need to use qualifiers here like "technical," "melodic," or "brutal." Just think classic American death metal: Morbid Angel, Death, Suffocation, etc. The Dying Light are truly students of the genre, and instead of just copying from other bands, they take the form and alter it slightly. The end result is still true to its roots while being distinct enough to allow the Dying Light to stand on its own. Incorporating former members of Cattle Press, Dim Mak, Hemlock, and Ripping Corpse, the musicians that comprise the Dying Light are certainly not wet behind the ears amateurs. They are thoroughly experienced, and it shows in songwriting abilities. The band knows how to carefully craft songs including many different feels and textures so the end result is a good, solid album that progresses instead of each song sounding the same. The Dying Light contains everything you'd expect from good death metal: quick, impressive, darkly melodic guitar work; powerful accompanying bass; technical, accomplished drumming; and strong vocals ranging from outright screams to guttural utterances. The pristine production by Erik Rutan (Hate Eternal) only helps these individual elements to shine, and then be melded into one cohesive force. Bottom Line: This is not fringe by any means in terms of sound and style. If you're looking for crazy, spastic post hardcore, or repetitive breakdowns, look elsewhere. This is for those who like classic death metal or newer torchbearers like Hope Collapse. There is a lot to be discovered in this release, and listeners will find many reasons for repeat listens.

14 comments

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carrion_ 12/17/2005 10:22:29 AM

first post rad album

love_ 12/17/2005 10:59:46 AM

i <3 Sean

xtroyx_ 12/17/2005 12:52:00 PM

i've seen this record at work for some time and always wondered about it. the mp3 was awesome. i will be picking this up. thanks ash!

Mortimer_ 12/17/2005 8:24:11 PM

This is an incredible album from start to finish, one of my favorites of the year. "Haunting Recollections" and "Freezing The Spirit" alone make this worth the purchase.

dumptruck_ 12/17/2005 8:58:47 PM

Right on. This impresses me.

xCERVIXDESTROYERx_ 12/18/2005 2:52:50 PM

amazing album, but the drums sound like complete shit. why do so many great drummers insist on using triggers?

hox_ 12/18/2005 8:29:51 PM

Quality review from Ash. Will have to pick up with the Cattlepress, Ripping Coprse, and Dim Mak bloodlines.

OneSoVile_ 12/19/2005 12:10:26 AM

Great review...although I'd give it a higher rating.

ghetto_paul_ 12/19/2005 9:04:37 AM

good review, I agree with the 7/10. it's a solid album, none of the tracks are particularly "weak", I kinda just think two of the songs are awesome, and the rest of the album is just good.

TheWood_ 12/19/2005 1:34:55 PM

I like what I am hearing here, but I agree with what the guy before me said about triggers. Unfortunately, not every drummer can hit as hard as Dave Witte.

mefuckyeah_ 12/19/2005 6:04:38 PM

This cd is pretty damn good

fvckyouyoufvckingfvck_ 12/20/2005 12:46:06 PM

trick drums are the best.

xtroyx_ 12/20/2005 11:38:40 PM

picked this up today and it is pretty impressive. track 4 is the favorite first time through.. the only problem with this record is the length. i expected longer songs and a longer full length from a metal band. but it's still alright.

UrbanStrike_ 12/23/2005 1:05:14 AM

I can't understand why people think this cd is great. It's mediocre and really boring.