siLLy puPPy Death metal in the modern world is an interesting beast to say the least. Probably one of the most productive subs of the metal universe along with its sibling black metal, this uncontrollable powerhouse is uncanny in its chameleonesque ability to shape shift into new musical forms without losing the essence of what makes it death metal. In the modern world there are those who forge ahead and those who latch onto a particular style set out long ago and roll with it. FATHER BEFOULED, a four piece formed in Voldosta, Georgia, USA all the way back in 2006 has been very productive in releasing albums, EPs, splits and touring like a mother fucker.

This band has just released its fifth full-length album CROWNED IN VENEFICUM, a title that i had to investigate because, WAIT!!!! Crowned in CUM? Is VENEFICUM some sort of venomous cum? Haha! Turns out it means sorcery in Latin. Whew! This is a band that has latched onto that 90s Incantation and Immolation death metal sound that i call abysmal death metal. You know the kind that alternates between fiery energetic rampages and down-tuned depressive doom metal dirges? Yeah that kind and FATHER BEFOULED pretty much sticks to this playbook of sludge fueled death metal riffing accompanied by bleak atmospheres, diverse drumming outbursts and deep guttural growls.

I have not experienced the band’s previous works so this is pretty much my introduction to this Georgia based band and i cannot say i’m disappointed one bit. A traditional album’s length, CROWNED IN VENEFICUM features nine tracks that slink past the 36-minute playing time and in its volatile wake leaves a zigzagging effect of caustic dueling guitar riffing, a distinct bass sound heard through the din and a nice series of tempo shifts resulting in a rather on again / off again trade off of death metal and death-doom. The overall effect is quite ominous and although the atonal dissonance of the guitars points towards the bleakest recesses with a few Black Sabbath guitar riffs thrown in for good measure, there is just enough melody to latch onto to feel a ray of hope in the impending dread of it all.

What makes CROWNED IN VENEFICUM even filthier sound is that it borrows heavily from the world of sludge metal with caustic guitar tones and strumming patterns but also in various drumming passages but at the end of the day this is death metal first and foremost and never strays too far from the chosen path to resolve it all with lightning fast blitzkrieg attacks of the guitars and blastbeats. Unfortunately FATHER BEFOULED hasn’t developed a distinct sound of its own and at this stage in its career still relying on an almost identical style of death metal invented three decades ago without adding much in the way of creative mojo. The album is pleasant enough but in the crowded modern world of the death metal universe isn’t very inspiring either and doesn’t beckon for repeat visits.

Perhaps one of the problems with this band is that its members are scattered all over the metal world in various projects thus leaving little time to develop a unique band project that blows away the competition. While excellent musicianship decorates CROWNED IN VENEFICUM in regality, unfortunately the album ends up sounding a bit generic in its stylistic approach and therefore not one of the most exciting releases of the year thus far. A good and noble effort but in a time in history when we are literally drenched in music, just OK isn’t good enough any longer and this album doesn’t beckon me to explore the band’s canon further. Decent but drags on. On its way to cool but stuck in lukewarm.