Dew-Scented Incinerate

Dew-Scented share a trait with bands like Cannibal Corpse in that they have a formula and they stick to it. While these German gentlemen haven't ever unleashed an album that has turned the metal world on its head, they have consistently put out reliably heavy thrash. Granted, not all of Dew-Scented's I-beginning albums sound exactly the same, but they are pretty damn similar. Since they have a good formula, sticking to it suits my ears just fine. With Incinerate (the band's seventh album), Dew-Scented has reached back to the sound they had on 2002's Inwards. And though they have always demonstrated a healthy love for Slayer, 2005's Issue IV and 2003's Impact almost have too much influence for me to get really excited about. Incinerate sees Dew-Scented bringing back more of the death in their death-thrash assault. Like all of their albums, the band keeps it fast and fucking mean. However, this time around all of the elements seem to be cranked to 11. This album is overflowing with anger and it sounds like these guys don't give a shit whom they run over. None of the riffs on Incinerate are going to blow you away, but the speed and ferocity of these songs should keep any long-time fan interested, and cause any fans of a band like The Crown to turn their heads. My only complaint would be in the vocal department. It's not that the vocals are weak by any means; they could just use some dynamics. The listener is, however, offered something different in the song "Retain the Scars," which features guest vocals from fellow countryman and Kreator-howler Mille Petrozza. Petrozza's vocals are a welcome addition to a delivery that can get a bit monotonous. I'm enjoying the production of Incinerate, as it reminds me of Made Me Do It by The Haunted. This works out well, considering that at the time, The Haunted was also cranking out some vicious thrash. Everything here is powerful, yet raw. Keep an ear out for the drum-tones, which are particularly well done. Bottom Line: If you've heard Dew-Scented in the past, you pretty much know what to expect here. If you found yourself (like me) to be unimpressed with Dew-Scented's last two albums, then I suggest you jump back on this train. Incinerate is a wonderfully powerful and blazing slab of thrash metal.