Excellent EP
A. Stutheit | Denver, CO USA | 09/23/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Misery Index have had quite a long string of great albums for such a young band. Their first three releases were either splits or EP's, and then in 2004, fresh off the heals of their first long-spinner, 2003's "Retaliate," they blasted back onto the scene with their best EP to date. Aside from featuring a somewhat darker tone and rawer and grittier production, "Dissent" has everything you have come to expect from and love about these Baltimore-based death-grinders, including very impressive, technical, and tight musicianship (i.e. brutal death metal riffs, and excellent, pounding drums from legendary skinsman Kevin Talley), bludgeoning rhythms, deep, inspired (yet usually intelligible) vocals, and intelligent, politically-charged lyrics.
"Sheep and Wolves" is a slow, ominous intro track with dirge-laden riffs and spoken word vocals. "Exception to the Ruled" is a fast thrasher with rapid, cracking skins that get in your face and smack you around, a surprisingly long, winding, and blazing solo, and a pummeling, double-bass-driven outro. "The Imperial Ambition" is also very speedy, and boasts a wealth of slamming, jackhammering blast beats, and a cool breakdown at the end. Next, "Multiply By Fire" is a slower, catchier, and more groove-oriented track with heavy, chugging riffs and more deft, slapping skins. Finally, "Defector (Thinning The Herd)" is again up-tempo, and is backed by some good riffs, and brutal, rapid-fire drumming that simply must be heard to be believed.
As is the case with all of Misery Index's releases, it is very difficult to find fault with"Dissent," sans the fact it's all over in just sixteen minutes. Highly recommended to all fans."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1