Review: Micawber- Viral (2011)

Band: Micawber

Release: Viral

Genre: 2011

Label: Independently Released

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/micawbermetal

Tracklist:

1. The Colonization

2. Viral

3. Beyond The Throne

4. A Timid Existence

5. Systematic Manipulation

6. The Calamity

7. Victim Of Persuasion

8. Mechanized Enslavement

9. Incorp(s)orated

Review: 10/10

Coming off strong after their last release Hell On Earth, the ever brutal Micawber have just released their latest album Viral onto the world.

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

I was very unsure that they could top Hell On Earth, but I am so wrong. This album is exactly what the world of death metal/deathcore is missing. Like the last album, Viral kicks off with a sick intro on “The Colonization,” a haunting and eerie intro that throws you in the middle of apocalyptic drumming like the signaling of the end of times.

With a demonic growl that is meant to make you want to punch babies, “Viral” is a thundering track that is no doubt an excellent crowd pleaser. Awesome ,old school death metal brought into the new age that will surely convert more people to the dark side of metal. The vocals are much more refined and menacing than ever before, the guitar playing is much cleaner, and the drumming has gotten a hell of a lot faster.

Probably my favorite track on the whole album (and that’s a maybe cause it’s hard to pick a favorite), “Beyond The Throne” is full of the kind of metal that puts a Pabst Blue Ribbon in your hand and hair on your chest. The vocals are straight phenomenal. Phil Bozeman, watch out cause Jeff Plewa is on the fast track to sitting on that throne. Full of intense riffs and pummeling, ultra fast drumming make this track a stand out on the album. The different transitions keep this track fresh all the way through, not a single dull second.

“The Calamity” is pure old school throughout. Not too much unlike Massacre, they keep it fast and heavy for the average deathhead, and enough awesome instrument work to impress more seasoned listeners. The solo alone is worth it, but this track overall is just plain badass. It’s the equivalent of having a train made of death metal and shoving that into your ears.

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of listening to a pre production track called “Ridin’ The Night Train” that I couldn’t stop raving about. Well it’s been renamed and given a slight musical makeover, but the track “Victim Of Persuasion” is a force to be reckoned with. In my opinion, this should have been right behind the intro track, but that’s just me. It’s a tad slower than the fast playing of the rest of the album, but not by much. It’s a welcome change of pace and helps break the formula a little bit.

You’re not a real man if you haven’t heard this album yet. Seriously one of the best releases of the year, this is a must have for any music collection. Go cop it now!