Dethklok.org

Dethtastic metal from an unexpected source
If you’ve read up on Dethklok at all, you know that “they” are a sort of cross between The Monkees, Tenacious D, Spinal Tap, and Josie and the Pussycats - but completely metal. None of that means anything, however, when it comes to the quality of the MUSIC on this CD.

So, how is the music? It is METAL - deep, dark, and angry metal. Many of the songs will get you pumped up and headbanging, and the lyrics can be quite thought-provoking at times if you let them be. The instruments are strong, but tend to be a bit repetitive. The vocals are deep and dark, but get drowned out by the instruments on numerous occasions if you don’t adjust your equalizer.

As to the songs…

Track 01: Murmaider. A stomping, angry song about a place where killers can not be legally tied to their crimes - and the repercussions it has on society. Also, there are “murmaids.” Enjoyable. Rating: 3.5/5

Track 02: Go Into the Water. Your typical power ballad guitars. Unimpressive. 2.5/5

Track 03: Awaken. One of the fastest and most head-banging songs on the CD, the song suffers from its extension rather than rocking harder (the original version released on adultswim.com was only 1:03). 4/5

Track 04: Bloodrocuted. Has anyone ever actually listened to these lyrics? They’re about a guy that is hunted by assassins and uses his own blood to electrocute them. 3.5/5 if the lyrics are not considered, 4/5 if they are.

Track 05: Go Forth and Die. Dethklok’s ode to those graduating from college. This song will probably be played at graduation parties for years to come. 4.5/5

Track 06: Fansong. Fast and angry, the lyrics demonstrate the contempt many bands that have “made it” feel towards their fans, and also how some fans take their obsession too far. 4/5

Track 07: Better Metal Snake. Also fast and angry, this is a good cruising song for the car with relatively weak lyrics. 3.5/5

Track 08: The Lost Vikings. This song is stuck in my head and I can’t get it out. It is about Pride, Failure, War… and contains the moral that guys REALLY SHOULD pull over and ask for directions when lost. 4.5/5

Track 09: Thunderhorse. As far as I can tell, there are four words that are repeated in this song in various combinations (Ride, Thunder, Horse, Revenge)… and that’s all the song needs. 4/5

Track 10: Briefcase Full of Guts. An interesting take on salesmen and marketing. 3.5/5

Track 11: Bithday Dethday. A death-metal version of the birthday song. You will headbang. The birthday child may smash their head into the cake to “blow out” the candles. 4/5

Track 12: Hatredcopter. Typical hard and fast death metal. The vocals in some parts are sung by “Pickles.” 3.5/5

Track 13: Castratikron. A metaphore for girlfriends. Typical metal that is slower than Hatredcopter. 3/5

Track 14: Face Fisted. About being so tough that, when someone hits you, THEY are injured. The lyrics are interesting, but it is typical death metal. 3/5

Track 15: Dethharmonic. Sounds like a less-interesting version of Metallica’s “No Leaf Clover” - a song performed with an orchestra backing it. Dethharmonic is a caricature describing how many people hate giving up money - even for noble reasons. Or maybe it is just about hating the tax man. Either way, it is my least favorite song on the album. 1/5

Track 16: Theme Song. The 34 second theme song from the show. There’s not much to say about this.

Overall Length: 52:14.

Conclusion: This is a respectable metal album that people not familiar with the TV show might like if they are into hard music. It is well worth retail price.