Dying Fetus -- Destroy the Opposition (review)

Artist: Dying Fetus
Album: Destroy the Opposition
Genre: brutal/technical death metal
Year: 2000
Label: Relapse Records

This year marks the 17th anniversary of the release of Dying Fetus's third full-length, Destroy the Opposition.  This album stands as one of my personal favorites in the death metal genre, alongside such classics as Leprosy and None So Vile.
Dying Fetus are a brutal death metal band from Baltimore Maryland.  Formed in 1991, the band has released album upon album of grade-A death metal.  Each release is jam-packed with memorable riffs, technical fury, and crushing grooves, and their 2000 outing is no exception.
The opening riff of "Praise the Lord (Opium of the Masses)" is an infectious groove that hits like a train without brakes.  The band wastes no time getting to the point as they sling riff after riff at the listener, supported by Kevin Talley's rapid-fire blast beats (I might add that the drum production on this album is among the best).  The title track follows, and closes with a cataclysmic breakdown as Gallagher and Netherton command the listener to, as they so eloquently put it, "DESTROY."  The trade-off vocals are signature of Dying Fetus's style.  Netherton bellows in a fashion reminiscent of the Florida scene while Gallagher delivers a more guttural growl akin to Frank Mullen of Suffocation.
The band's lyrics are easily some of my favorites.  Vicious and dripping with social commentary, Dying Fetus step away from the stereotypical gore lyrics of most brutal death (not that I have anything against such themes).  The lyrics to "In Times of War" detail the aftermath of nuclear Armageddon, while "Praise the Lord" criticizes those who use religion as a justification for violence.  The band leave few stones unturned as they tear modern society to pieces.
Tracks vary between blistering attacks ("Born In Sodom" & "Pissing In the Mainstream") and groove-driven chugfests ("Epidemic of Hate").  Every riff and breakdown is expertly crafted and executed with precision.  Nothing seems out of place with this record, and every track packs a deadly punch.  I encourage everyone to give this record a spin.  You can listen to it on YouTube here.


Rating: 5 / 5
Top Tracks:
In Times of War
Praise the Lord (Opium of the Masses)
Justifiable Homicide