Destination: Caducity

Even though I only recently discovered this band, Caducity have quickly become one of my favorite death metal bands. Their first two albums, in my humble opinion, are two of the best death metal albums released in the mid-90's AND the best death metal to ever come out of Belgium, period. Their latest album, entitled “Destination: Caducity” is very... different from the band's early work, and if you were expecting another fantasy themed epic death metal album, you'll probably be disappointed. However, if you approach this album with an open mind, you'll really, REALLY enjoy it.

This under-rated Belgian band's latest album marks a complete U-turn for them, going from an experimental and atmospheric death metal sound into standard death metal territory. The music is still 'epic' but in an entirely different sense from the first two albums. The fantasy-themed atmosphere of their previous work is put aside in favor of a more gritty feel, which actually suits the World War II theme of the album. While the Caducity of the past is best described as a musical journey that takes you through different moods, the 'new' Caducity is rather one-dimensional in comparison. You can still hear a bit of the old Caducity in the solos, but it is not really prevalent throughout the album.

Well, enough of the comparison. Despite being rather single minded in approach (especially when you take into consideration the fact that this is a concept album, the band pulls it off brilliantly with a spirit that most death metal bands lack. There are some good riffs here, but at times they don't sound as good as they would have with a rawer and unprocessed guitar tone. The production also brings the enjoyment level down a notch, because the drums and vocals tend to be overshadowed by the loud guitar volume. A better drum sound would have greatly aided the music, especially during the slow, crushing parts of the album.

I've realized that most of the stuff I've said about this album may make me come across as someone who doesn't really like this album, but despite the flaws I can't stop listening to this. This is a very addictive record and it gets better each time you listen to it, even though it's not anything groundbreaking. BUT it's a hell lot more ballsy (in it's execution, instead of approach) than most pure death metal albums these days and maybe that's why I like this album. Recommended!

(originally written for archaic-magazine.com)