SIX FEET UNDER “Killing For Revenge” /Ltd. LP/

The fourteenth full-length studio album by legendary American Death Metal band.
"Nightmares Of The Decomposed" was the first Six Feet Under album on which Chris Barnes and former Cannibal Corpse guitarist Jack Owen worked together. This collaboration, which already existed when Barnes was still the singer in Cannibal Corpse, is now entering its second round with "Killing For Revenge".
2020's "Nightmares Of The Decomposed" wasn't certainly Six Feet Under's finest moment; guitarist Jack Owen rejoining Chris Barnes - for the first time since their Cannibal Corpse days - turned out to be a rather disappointing outcome for all those expecting a throwback to early 90s Death Metal, and the questionable vocal performance on the record was heavily ridiculed by the internet mob. A lot of the hate and disdain towards Barnes actually seemed to stem from some of his online bickering with haters and instigators, and while the man sometimes went over the top with some of his tweets, his reaction was quite understandable; he's one of the originals when it comes to death metal, he contributed to some absolute classics of the genre and pretty much defined the guttural growling and splatter lyrics template, and while this doesn't mean that he should always get a pass, at least he deserves some respect. He became a meme instead, and this shitstorm almost overshadowed his many accomplishments. For a moment, it seemed like Six Feet Under was done for good, but Owen came to the rescue of his old friend and restored his morale by writing a whole new record, even going as far as writing 90% of the lyrics and vocal patterns. The album took on a meaningful title, "Killing for Revenge"!
The 4 years between "Nightmares Of The Decomposed" and this new record brought some fresh air; Barnes reportedly quit both smoking weed and drinking, and in general - judging from some recent interviews and from the ongoing US tour with the Nile - he's humbled by the support he got from his hardcore fans, and he seems to be in a positive headspace. This attitude seems to have influenced the outcome on "Killing for Revenge", which definitely is a step up from the previous record. The line-up also stuck together, with Barnes and Owen at the helm, joined by Jeff Hughell, Marco Pitruzzella and Ray Suhy.
The album offers a good presentation from the get-go, with a great cover artwork painted by none other than Vince Locke, the legendary artist behind all Cannibal Corpse artworks. Chris Barnes was the one who actually hired him for "Eaten Back To Life" back in 1990, so it seems like things finally came full circle; Locke's style is unmistakable, and the painting is actually better than everything he's done for Cannibal Corpse since "The Bleeding".
"Killing For Revenge" is full of slow, Doomy yet crushing Death Metal in the typical Six Feet Under style.
Chris Barnes certainly sounds better on this release compared to the controversial "Nightmares Of The Decomposed", offering a performance that is more in line with how he sounded on "Torment" or "Crypt Of The Devil"; while probably still not good enough for his haters, and he seems to have regained some power, as well as part of his guttural range.
"Killing For Revenge" is an honest record that puts Six Feet Under back on track after a few difficult years, and it's a redeeming effort that deserves some attention. While it would have been naive to expect a masterpiece from two songwriters who are next to being 60 years old, it's still a worthwhile album. It's an old-school, Neanderthal-sounding Death/Thrash Metal record that goes for the throat for most of its running time, and unless you're a Gen-Z, stuck-up technical Death Metal elitist, you're gonna find yourself sporting an evil grin while listening to it.
Limited Edition to 300 numbered copies worldwide exclusive for EMP, Blood Red Splattered Vinyl, incl. Download Card.
Metal Blade Records, 2024 (3984-16085-5). Made in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. Known-Nothing Ingrate 2:22
2. Accomplice To Evil Deeds 2:17
3. Ascension 4:30
4. When The Moon Goes Down In Blood 3:47
5. Hostility Against Mankind 3:55
6. Compulsive 3:34

Side 2
7. Fit Of Carnage 3:30
8. Neanderthal 4:55
9. Judgement Day 3:34
10. Bestial Savagery 3:51
11. Mass Casualty Murdercide 2:49
12. Spoils Of War 3:46

Total playing time: 42:50 min.


https://sixfeetunder.bandcamp.com/