Devourment - Butcher The Weak
- Released: 2006
- Label: Brutal Bands
- Rating:
Well, as if releasing Butcher The Weak once wasn’t enough, Devourment decided to completely re-record and remaster the album. The question I’m sure you all have on your minds is…why? The answer, upon first listen of the new version, is quite simple. Devourment simply felt they could do a better job with the new album, as far as the musicianship and production goes. To say they were right would be an understatement.
What we have here is one of the most frighteningly brutal albums from the most frighteningly brutal band of all time. Since their inception, no one in the genre has been able to touch the sickness delivered by Devourment and with Butcher The Weak , the guys set out to prove this once and for all. From the opening of the title track, the voice of John Wayne Gacy introduces us to the visceral onslaught that awaits. It’s obvious from the get-go that this is a much darker record than Molesting The Decapitated . That’s not to overshadow the impact that album had, but in all seriousness, Butcher The Weak is just not something to put in the stereo at night.
The production is definitely fuller than the previous version, as well as any other Devourment release. The guys have finally found a sound that brings out every single inch of the brutality in a way that allows the listener to see how insane the music really is. Eric Park’s performance is one of the most intense drumming clinics in death metal history. On this release, he proves himself to be the best the genre has to offer and bassist, Captain Chris Andrews provides the perfect companionship for the sick blasts and fills.
Now, when Ruben Rosas switched to guitar originally, I wasn’t happy. Ruben, as most of you know, is probably my favorite brutal death metal vocalist of all time. However, after hearing his guitar work on this disc, I can honestly say I’m pleased by his transition. Ruben’s riffs are sick beyond all repair and they give the Devourment sound a completely different vibe than ever before. The riffs are chunky and raw, but also very groovy and punishing. Mike Majewski had some serious shoes to fill as well, moving from bass to vocals. Replacing Wayne Knupp and Ruben Rosas is no easy task, but I’ve gotta say that I’m beyond impressed with how Mike sounds on this release. He’s got a lot of confidence behind his growls and spews and proves himself throughout this release to be the best possible replacement for the band following Wayne’s departure, prior to this album’s recording.
The songs themselves are everything you’d expect from Devourment. This time, the mosh parts and breakdowns feel a lot more natural than on Molesting The Decapitated and the blasting parts are so fast it’s ridiculous. Tracks like, “Masturbating At The Slab, “Autoerotic Asphyxiation”, and the amazing re-recorded version of “Babykiller” make this a release that will not only go down as my death metal album of the year but also as one of the most violent and savage of all time.
Devourment has once again proven themselves to be the undisputed kings of this genre, and if you don’t believe me, check this album out…and prepare to be butchered.
Josh | 11/06/2006