IMPALED

From Death Vomit to the ill fated Necropolis to indie heavy weight Century Media to the respected Willowtip, the labels may have changed, but IMPALED continues to do CARCASS-inspired splatter thrashing death metal better than nearly anyone. As a matter of fact, "The Last Gasp" is sounding more and more like one of IMPALED's best offerings, an album that comes off like a band with something to prove (whether they need to or not).

What is most refreshing about "The Last Gasp" is not something that is "new" at all. Rather, it is the album's stripped down, back to the beginning approach. In other words, the guys do what they do best: concoct a venomous soup of CARCASS-isms, a splendidly executed multi-vocalist approach, and a thrashy, groovy, and catchy attack. The style is also one that, if done well, is not only one that induces immediate head-banging action, but is also tons and tons of fun. "The Last Gasp" is an easy a front to back listen as well, the excellent pacing and emphasis on making every riff and gurgle count the secret to its success. Skillfully switching from death growl to maniacal shriek to sewage gurgle, the band's tri-vocal delivery has always been a strongpoint. Just listen to the all encompassing "All Gut, No Glory", one that employs the aforementioned approach and is a mid-tempo groover that features effective changeups. "Up the Dose" is a classic, the up-tempo number sure to have you shouting along with the chorus. More importantly, the momentum never wanes and there isn't a stinker to be found.

Add in guitar solos and melodic guitar lines the mesh nicely with the gnarly, rip roaring delivery and you've got yourself one fine IMPALED album. No one will ever applaud the band for originality, yet at the same time the act has taken a style played by many and beloved by even more and put their own stamp on it. Cheers to IMPALED for writing music that brings out as many devilish smiles as it does urges to hack up your neighbor's family for barbecue.