Dr. Acula
Slander

Well folks, Dr.Acula are back for another round of nu-grind violence in the form of Slander. Well actually the whole grindcore scheme of things (beer pong massacre anyone? No well I loved that song) is replaced with a deathcore sound meaning longer songs yet still retaining the same snotty attitude of the old.

Slander is kind of a return to form I guess…well almost because their last record on Uprising had to be one of the most forgettable pieces of garbage ever. More so an album released just to end a label contract but still this was highly unacceptable. Thankfully with the label change came a meaner and better put together album that will remind fans of why they love Dr.Acula in the first place, which is movie samples and weird experimentation that somehow fits and works amazingly well. Welcome to Slander my friends.

If copious amounts of drugs and alcohol as well as sex aren’t your thing then…well actually wait a minute your all metal heads so they probably are your thing so read on fellow travelers. Opening the album is a track called “Clinger (Stage 5)” and it’s a sample-esque intro that gives way into the first full song entitled “Fire Crotch (The Venereal Van Ride)” and to be frank it’s a fun song to get things started. Adding punky riffs and throaty vocals with comedic lyrics such as “Using No Protection While I Fuck All Your Friends” shouted before a breakdown you know Dr.Acula is back. Taking a noticeable turn towards the perverse Dr.Acula adopts an Attila attitude whilst keeping things a little more disgusting then usual. And to be honest that’s awesome. The only noticeable difference between this and older Dr.Acula is the songs are longer, the lyrics nastier, and the music much more violent.

Next up are “Welcome to Camp Nightmare” and “Currently Sexting.” The first song dishes out certain-doom breakdowns and monumental riffs while cancerous vocals destroy ones ears. “Currently Sexting” despite its funny name is a sick and twisted tune that adds cell phone affects between the riffs; adopting a noisier approach with a bit of dissonance thrown in for good measure.

“Cocaine Avalanche” opens with an anti-drugs sample and leads into another assault on ones senses. All I got to say is that songs about drugs are awesome. Southern riffs and Every Time I Die-esque vocals are used and the end result is orgasmic. “Song Before The Song” contains sludgy breakdowns and “Pure and Immature (Goon)” is probably one of the nastier songs I heard as of late. Crunchy riffs, destructive breakdowns (the ending breakdown will have you tearing the pit up in no time), and offensive lyrics make for a raunchy good time. Even though the grind of old is missing the addition of punk riffs and noisy dissonance are a huge welcome and definitely buff out their already extensive sound. Eventually the album leads into two of my favorite songs on the album and they are the last two.

“Party 2.0” is an anthem dedicated to guess what…Partying and comes complete with wicked gang chants and hard hitting breakdowns. Hell Pee Wee Herman opens up the song as well as closes it out…that’s fucking awesome. The last track the “Big Sleep” is amazing way to end the album. Pure deathcore insanity and right when you things can’t get any weirder: out of nowhere comes a sample of Mario’s death music. The breakdown to end the album flat out destroys as well.

The only thing that bugged me about the album is the few tracks leading up to the last two are a little samey but other then that Dr.Acula have crafted one hell of a party album. If you already hated Dr.Acula well then I guess your going to be in the same boat. But to those who love these guys get ready for an insane and magical ride.

[Visit the band's website]
Written by Jesse Wolf
June 13th, 2011

Comments

  1. Commented by: Nick Taxidermy
  2. Commented by: denial

    this is a hardcore band.not grind.similar to labelmates emmure but with a waaaaay stupider name and pointless go nowhere songs.


  3. Commented by: Nick Taxidermy

    not hardcore, either.


  4. Commented by: vugelnox

    I think I saw these guys a while ago as an opening act. All I could think was that “these guys named themselves after a joke from an episode of Scrubs” and “this is fucking terrible”


  5. Commented by: krustster

    This tape was not bad, I’m surprised not to see mention of the title track which I thought was the best one. I’d say it’s about 50% really good and 50% forgettable. Their older tapes are absolute shit though if you ask me. I’m glad they completely changed their sound.


  6. Commented by: Erik Thomas

    yeah this is at least acceptable, the last one i heard “Below Me” was awful


  7. Commented by: Nick Taxidermy
  8. Commented by: That's How Kids Die

    Why do bands like this exist? Someone should do a study…


  9. Commented by: shaolinlambkiller

    This has never been considered grindcore. Stopped reading after I saw that.


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