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The name With Dead Hands Rising is probably familiar to anyone that lives in the Minnesota area or reads this website. I'm not sure that I can put my finger on what makes this band so appealing; maybe it's the entertaining song structures and breakdowns, or maybe the consistent heaviness and tight musicianship. In any case, though, With Dead Hands Rising's blatant passion and agression has assisted them in writing one of today's better pieces of mosh-filled metal.
Having enjoyed "Tourniquet Girl's" massive breakdown and chunky guitar riffs countless times on mp3.com before "Behind Inquisition" was released, I had high expectations for With Dead Hands Rising's latest effort. Though I never doubted With Dead Hands Rising or Life Sentence Records, I was relieved to hear more of that wondrous blend of melodic death metal and mosh-inducing breakdowns. No, that description may not sound like anything new, and it definitely does not do With Dead Hands Rising any justice. Rather than focusing the listener's attention on nothing but breakdowns, though, With Dead Hands Rising's simple ability to perform, even in the studio, with unrivaled intensity is what sets them apart from the competition. The raw, but rich recording quality enhances their passionate sound; something one might expect out of a hardcore record.
Heavy and brooding are appropriate adjectives for "Behind Inquisition," but hints of melody through intricate guitar picking and spoken vocal passages add some appreciated variety to the album. The eigth track, "Where Wings Become Weapons," is true insight as to what With Dead Hands Rising is capable of, encompassing minutes of melody and infectious string plucking, as well as one of the album's more memorable finishing breakdowns. Melodic moments and brutal heaviness alike strengthen the band's mysterious and dark lyricism, dealing with personal struggle and failed relationships.
"Behind Inquisition" is an obvious progression for this Minneapolis-based metal outfit, and an album that fans of "melodic death metal" should plan on purchasing. The breakdowns are crushing, the musicianship tight, and you won't find yourself skipping songs to get to the end. Any metal band that can play with such intensity deserves to be recognized. Do yourself a favor and check out "Behind Inquisition."
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