It’s ironic that one of the dictionary definition of the word ‘attrition’ is “A gradual, natural reduction in membership or personnel”, and though I’m sure John Gallagher and his cohorts surely meant the more militaristic definition of the word, the fact is, now back as a four piece and minus vocalist Vince Matthews, who I think most will agree (even Gallagher and co) was a odd fit both live and for the band’s chemistry, Dying Fetus are back and improved.The addition by subtraction theory of mine may be a bit overrated, considering most enjoyed the band’s last effort, Stop At Nothing, but also I think most will agree, that album was no Destroy The Opposition. What we have here is an album far more in line with Destroy The Opposition, so take that as you will. From the recording set up, which Gallagher recently told me was identical to that of Destroy…, to the feel of the album’s more assaultive, brutal, technical, yet still breakdown heavy Suffocation worship, this album, to these ears, is a marked improvement over Stop At Nothing, and shows the band is ready to be once again considered on of US metal’s extreme elite.
With bassist Sean Beasly now handling the mid range vocals while Gallagher delivers his trademark burp, from opener “Homicidal Retribution” its evident the band seems re-energized and ready to rumble. The music seems far less ‘hardcore’ influenced and certainly far more cathartic and aggressive. Just listen to the utterly blistering openings of “Raping the System”, “Insidious Repression” and “The Ancient Rivalry”. Then absorb the punishing grooves of (the 6-minute) “Unadulterated Hatred” and especially crushing closer “Obsolete Deterrence” (I future live favorite I imagine with its massive closing). It just ‘feel’ like Dying Fetus, whereas Stop At Nothing just didn’t feel right. Gallagher is in top musical and song writing form throughout, and guitarist’s Mike Kimball’s lyrics are political without being trite.
Though one could argue that Dying Fetus are semi responsible for the deathcore dominated US metal landscape we currently live in, but with War Of Attrition Dying Fetus have shown it takes more than a myspace page and a few breakdowns to be considered one of the genres true stalwarts.
