If you were looking to describe the genre of death metal perfectly then throwing in Threnody, the new album from Woe of Tyrants, would be a great place to start. The band’s new album, set for an April 13th release, really embodies the soul of what defines the genre of death metal. On Woe of Tyrant’s new disc and third release through Metal Blade Records, one will find a plethora of low end grunts, double kick attacks and guitar solos that will have you literally pissing yourself uncontrollably. This release really is a step in the right direction for the band. The songs are more thought out, the sound is tighter and the production is cleaner. One listen to “Tempting the Wretch” is all it will take for you to completely hand over all control of your bladder! Not only does this album have pummeling blast beats and shredding guitars but the band, on the drop of a hat, can switch from uncontrollably devastating to melodically pleasing…the guitar solo at the end of the title track is enough to throw down the ten bones for this release! Woe of Tyrants really sound like a genuine death metal band, however, embodying the death metal archetype is not only their strong suit but also their weak hand.

In a world with so many copycat bands, it’s easy to get shuffled around and pushed to the bottom. Labels are constantly churning out cookie cutter after cookie cutter death metal bands that all sound the same. With an influx of so many bands, all similar in style, it’s easy to see how better promotions, connections and luck can often times out shine talent, skill and a desire to ROCK! Woe of Tyrants definitely posses the talent and desire but their sound so closely embodies the guidelines for a death metal band, that nothing causes them to stick out from the crowd. This album took me longer then usual to review because I often found my mind wandering to other things, a tell tale sign that I am uninterested in the bands overall sound. Once I spun this record five, six, seven times, I finally started to break through the monotony and find the band’s raw talent. This band has potential to be earth shattering and genre defying, however, Woe of Tyrants needs to step out of their comfort zone and take a risk…a risk your not going to find on Threnody.

If you’re looking to have fun, raise hell and headbang until your neck wants a divorce, than you have come to the right place. If you’re looking for ground breaking, genre melting metal than keep looking because you won’t find it here. Overall this is a solid release and a huge step forward for Woe of Tyrants. If you were a fan before then you will certainly love the new material. The album will definitely stay in your CD player for a while, most likely end up on some 2010 best of lists but in five years time, no one is going to remember Threnody.

3.5/5