Decrepit Birth - Polarity (Nuclear Blast Records) By: Leon Mallah

[8/10] Decrepit Birth describe themselves as “technical, melodic, brutal,” and frankly, there’s really no better way to put it. Combining a prominent Chuck Schuldiner and Floridian death metal influence with an impressive technical flare with bits of neoclassical peppered throughout, has proved to be a quite successful recipe for the Santa Cruz CA-based outfit. Looking to capitalize on the success of 2008’s Diminishing Between Worlds, Decrepit Birth have returned with Polarity, their first effort for Nuclear Blast.

Polarity captures all the elements one might expect from DB, but with a slightly more aggressive edge. Speedy, melodic guitar-driven sections are still the main focus of the album, but pummeling, syncopated drum and guitar attacks give the album a more brutal sound. It’s almost as if the band’s sound has been condensed and more focused. We are definitely looking at a much angrier Decrepit Birth this time around.

The melodic side of Polarity is displayed vigorously within the first two minutes of opener “(A Departure Of The Sun) Ignite The Tesla Coil,” in which a dueling, arpeggiated guitar section opens the album, followed later by a classical acoustic interlude and a dense, atmospheric lead section. “Melatron” and “Resonance” continue down the path of melodic death metal with complex riffs and solos courtesy of lead guitarist Matt Sotelo. Perhaps the catchiest of melodies though can be heard on “Solar Impulse,” which yours truly for the life of him cannot stop humming. Thanks DB!

The pissed-off, aggressive sections in “Mirroring Dimensions,” and title track “Polarity” give the album a nice touch, showing that the band is not only capable of intense technicality and precision, but raw emotion as well. Constant blasting and harmonized guitar runs are nice, but can wear on the listener’s ears quickly. Spacing out these sections with a few mid-tempo grooves is an award-winning combo, and makes the album less monotonous in the long run.

After all is said and done, the album does have its flaws. The vocals seem to be pretty one-dimensional and altogether very drowned-out in the mix. It would’ve been nice to hear some deviation from the standard cookie monster growls. It’s obvious the center of attention is the guitar and drums, but a few well-placed vocal changes could’ve really set it off for this album.

Decrepit Birth has managed to release another incredible album. While it may not top its predecessors, Polarity is definitely worth checking out. It is the product of the band trying something new, making an effort to expand on the sound they honed on previous albums, all the while still keeping it technical, melodic, brutal.

www.myspace.com/decrepitbirth