If you don't know the story behind Six Feet Under, I'll break it down real quick-like: Chris Barnes starts SFU as a side project while fronting Cannibal Corpse. Gets fired then turns SFU into full time band. That's all you'll hear of Cannibal Corpse from here on out. This is a new Six Feet Under album. It is good. Now I'll tell you why.
Unborn is a year removed from 2012's Undead. The songs for both albums were written during the same period with guitarists from a circle of songwriters: Ben Savage (Whitechapel), Rob Arnold (ex-Chimaira) and Jari Laine (Torture Killer). So, to say there's a fair amount of prolificacy is an understatement. These guys are/were major song writers in there respective bands. That isn't to take away any credit from the band members that perform on this album. Guitarists Steve Swanson (a mainstay since 1998) and new comer Ola Englund are given plenty of room to shine and show their strengths as performers. The same can be said for the rhythm section of newcomer bassist Jeff Hughell (Brainstorm) and drummer Kevin Tally (every band you've heard of). The two play on a tight line that fits right in. They're just that good at what they do. Chris Barnes does what he's done for over 20 years, and that's bring a twisted set of lyrics with his classic death torched growl. This album has many years of combined musicianship, and it shows.
Opening track 'Neuro Osmosis' sets a nice tone for the album. Deep riffs on the verse and soaring lines in the chorus. Barnes' voice even seems mixed lower in the chorus to add to the eerieness. The album keeps moving forward at a good flow of ups and downs. 'Zombie Blood Curse' shows a bit of the "death & roll" people have tagged SFU with over the years. Not as much as you'd expect. The pace of it is higher, and the hooks are catchy, but that's just good song writing in my world. Death & roll or not. 'Incision' has a nice moving beat and a creeping guitar line that explodes into the chorus. 'Alive To Kill You' is out for blood right away showing Kevin Talley's prowess behind the kit. Last track 'The Curse of Ancients' is a nice, brooding end to the album. Closing with again, another creepy guitar line, a bare spot showcasing the bass, pummeling drums and tortured vocals.
The songs on this album really compliment last year's Undead. Given that they were all written around the same time, they should, but that's not always the case. None of the songs feel too long. SFU mean business with this album and get the job done efficiently. One can only hope that Mr. Barnes brings the entire crew back in for yet another series of jam sessions, as I'm sure the results would be just as good if not better given more time. Good musicians get better over time. And this album shows just that, for all involved. I'm ready for the next album already.
Pick this album up through Metal Blade Records on March 18th (19th in the US). HAIL!!!
