Brodequin
Methods of Execution
8.1
One of the more widely circulated names among the underground's most elite, Tennesee's Brodequin return with their latest highly anticipated album, Methods of Execution. I remember growing up, being into all of the lesser appreciated brutal death metal bands like Mortal Decay, Deaden, Lividity, and Malignancy. Being only around sixteen or seventeen at the time, it was almost frightening to see how devoted the fans of this genre were. As I've gotten older and more easily distracted by things like alcohol and the opposite sex, my attention has waned a bit, however, my love for uncompromising death metal still remains. Hence why it gives me great pleasure to give this review. Brodequin embodies everything that was right and outstanding about that entire scene.
The technicality found on Brodequin's latest release isn't what a lot of people expect out of metal. There aren't really any solos full of impressive dives and arpeggios and it isn't chock-full of overly complex start/stop rhythms. However, the instrumentation is so incredibly tight and fast, it's completely technical and gives me a headache when I imagine trying to play some of these songs. "Pressing to Plead" stands out quite prominently, with its chunky rhythms, insane riffing, and perfectly synchronized drumwork. On "Durance Vile", you're forced to contend with the band's typical unrelenting attack, yet you're kindly given a chance to catch your breath with a gigantic mid-tempo breakdown consisting of a sludgy sliding riff. The battery continues as "Verdrinken" blasts onward with its mechanical drumming and artificial harmonics during the track's groovy interlude. "Punishment Without Mercy" exhibits just how tight Brodequin is, changing rhythms on the drop of a dime - even the deep growls never miss a beat. The album ends with a nervous passage of noise and echoing samples, giving a phenomenal ending to an already traumatizing listen.
While some may cry at the album's muddy sound, it's almost a contradiction in itself. Put this record on side by side with something released on one of the more major labels, and certainly Methods of Execution leaves a lot to be desired production-wise. The funny thing is, it still sounds great. You're able to discern the instruments and distinguish between parts just fine, right on down to the well-produced basslines. So while things do sound a little too full at times, the sound is more than adequate, and certainly a step up from the band's last release.
Methods of Execution isn't for the progressive tech-metal aficionado or casual melodic metalcore fan. It's a stripped-down death metal powerhouse meant to bring back the enthusiasm to domestic brutality. It's guttural, intense, and simplistic in approach - however, you'd be hard pressed to find many people capable of playing this style with such proficiency and skill.
