DETERIOROT

DETERIOROT aren't exactly a big name in death metal, however, the American band is revered for their pungent brutality that marries evil death metal with a unique take on slower, majestic death metal that's informed by traditional heavy metal. They've been far from prolific during their nearly 40 years of existence; worthy of praise though by virtue of the quality of their material. In recent years, founding member and main-man Paul Zavaleta has been reinvigorated and driven to dole out as much barbarous metallic madness as possible. Hot on the heels of DETERIOROT's fourth full-length, "Awakening", unleashed in October via Xtreem Music, the long-running unit is now set to re-release their 2016 compilation of early material, "Echoes From The Past", courtesy of Vic Records.

The legendary quartet has been rumbling since 1988, known for a couple of years at their onset as MORTUARY before changing the band's name. Guitarist/vocalist Zavaleta, founding and sole original member, has always ensured that the original vision has endured while sounding fresh through efforts like their latest release. Songs like "Apocalyptic Holy Wars" incorporate the timeless, dank death metal that's inherent to DETERIOROT's essence, blasting an ominous strike of sonic shrapnel that's reminiscent of the likes of IMMOLATION, INCANTATION or DISMA while remaining unique.

Elsewhere, "The Faithless" is a prime example of the quartet's ability to wield their primitive barbarity toward epic, triumphant and bold, pseudo death-doom that brilliantly exudes both a sense of down-trodden struggle as well as confidence and clear intent. "Endless Hauntings of Demons and Despair" also bridges that depressive yet grandiose dirge along with an unhinged, primal death metal assault. There's an ever-present element of drama that's never cheesy and always potent, as brilliant as it is subtly all-encompassing.

"Echoes From The Past" includes material from old demos, the longtime sold-out 1993 EP "Manifested Apparitions of Unholy Spirits", live recordings from 1993, the unreleased "Unholy Return" promo from 2000, and bridging the gap from the early days to modern times, the song "Reanimateen" was culled from recent recording sessions. Sure, the exclusive tracks obviously make the release mandatory for diehards, but the album is a great entry point for anyone new to the band as well. The only drawback is the periodic variation in volume, varying almost randomly within certain tracks.

Measured in terms of creative value, DETERIOROT offers a lot that fans of bands as varied as CANNIBAL CORPSE and MY DYING BRIDE would appreciate. Considering that the so-called "OSDM" revival remains en vogue, it would be a shame if DETERIOROT doesn't enter the consciousness of the newer generation. From their early output on "Echoes From The Past" through to their fresh long-player, last month's "Awakening", DETERIOROT have proven themselves a death metal beast worthy of respect.