For a fleeting second, the latest release from United Kingdom metal outfit, The Dead Lay Waiting, sounds as if it is coming from an entirely different and somewhat mellow band. However, the soft instrumental intro on this one is almost immediately replaced with the startling guttural growls of vocalist Luke Lucas, reminding listeners that they are about to embark into 60 minutes of pure sinister-sounding darkness.
The young band’s most recent album, “Almost Heaven,” was released in November via U.K.-based Rising Records. (It was released in the U.K. in June.)
To say that The Dead Lay Waiting — which also features guitarists Ben Connett and Steve Franklin, bassist Sam Sara and drummer Tom Shrimpton — is simply a metal band would be a gross understatement. There is something literally frightening about this band’s music. It personifies a darkness that few metal bands achieve. The key element behind this darkness is undoubtedly Lucas’ vocals. He has an unbelievably low vocal range that is downright ominous sounding. His devilish-sounding lyrics are then backed by forceful and aggressive instrumentals, making for a remarkably heavy release.
“Almost Heaven” is definitely an album that is for true metal fans. The Dead Lay Waiting embodies gloom, and “Almost Heaven” is no exception to its propensity to write sinister music. Each of this album’s 14 tracks is more extreme than the next, and each one will definitely leave a lasting impression on the band’s fans.
Rating: W W 1/2
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