Search - Dirge Within :: Force Fed Lies

Sick, nasty heavy and will probably make Hot Topic kids run

The NewReview | USA | 12/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A couple of years ago I heard that Shaun Glass left Soil to pursue other options. Shortly after, I read that he started up his own band called Dirge. Having been a fan of Soil since Throttle Junkies, I was definitely curious to see what he had up his sleeve. So here it is, a few years and a "Within" later, Dirge Within emerge and unleash "Force Fed Lies"...one of the most exciting albums out this year.



"Self Medicate" starts this juggernaut off like an adrenaline shot to the heart. Immediately, I would compare Dirge Within's sound to Skinlab meets Nothingface (sprinkled with Devildriver and Machine Head), so you know it's sick, nasty heavy and will probably make Hot Topic kids run for their mommies. With thunderous drums and brutal guitars giving way to killer vocal runs and huge choruses, "Self Medicate" gives the listener a small taste of what's to come.



Songs like "Forever The Martyr" really show off the Nothingface side of the band. With really cool fast verses that quickly shift to cool off-timed choruses and slammin' bounce, Genske shows off his range and really shines on this track. He could definitely be the bastard child of Matt Holt (Nothingface), Steev Esquivel (Skinlab) and Dez Fafara (Devildriver)...you know, in some sick twisted medical experiment kinda way.



My favorite track on the album HAS to be "New Disease" because it could have come straight off of Machine Head's "Burn My Eyes." Eerie tones give way to egyption-esque solos that run you directly into the mouth of the beast. The song boasts big fat heavy grooves and nasty-as-hell harmonics that would even make Robb Flynn tear up. The verses sound like they could have come straight off of the Nothingface "Violent" album. This song is massive, nasty heavy and super groovy.



Genske really has a solid voice over Dirge Within's absolutely brutal sound. With a lot of bands today, they have a great sound and a singer that either seems to get lost in the music or is overbearing and can't carry a tune in a bucket. Genske isn't that way at all. He leads this band with extreme intensity and malevolence. "As I Walk" is a perfect example of that, with brutal verses and almost Phil Anslemo-esque melodic choruses.



"Inhuman" could have been taken straight off of Skinlab's "Disembody the New Flesh" a few years ago. So what does that mean for all you rookies out there? It means that if you're in the pit when this song is played, prepare to donate blood and lots of it...because fat grooves and brutal heaviness are about to ensue.



I could go on for days about "Force Fed Lies"...seriously! This is the BEST album that I have heard all year and in a long time, by far. It's really nice that Glass didn't try to just re-create Soil for a buck. He went out and created an all new 4 headed monster that this metal world will have to deal with for many years to come. If you like heavy, then this cd is for you. It has all the elements of a perfect album...fast and brutal for a kick in the teeth, melodic when you need that metal smootch and groovier than Don Cornelius' afro on Soul Train.



OUR RATING

(5/5)"

Amazing album

Travis E. Statham | Bethlehem, PA | 09/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, one of the best metal albums I've heard in a while. Every song knocks you off your feet. Great lyrics, understandable with good meaning. Some fantastic guitar solos too. Not a single song disappoints. Sounds like a harder All that Remains, a bit like Scar Symmetry, just a great blend. I'm on my second playthrough."

A Dominating First Album

C. M. Gillum | Michigan | 11/17/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the Metal universe there is one rule of thumb that normally proves true; the second album defines the bands future. After hearing Force Fed Lies a few times I am anxious to hear the next release and to see if this rule holds water with the mighty Dirge Within. Only just formed in 2007, DW hail's from Chicago and blends Modern Thrash with Hradcore/Metalcore flawlessly.



Guitarist Shaun Glass formerly of SOiL steals the show with some inspiring leads and a barrage of superb solo's. To delve into the album we journey into the depths of my favorite two track's, first off is the chaotic 'New Disease'. The song fades in with some tranquil acoustics backed by expertly handled cymbal work by drummer Jimmy Knight then leads kick in high and grandiose, classic Thrash opener. Then just when you think you've heard the songs intro you've been had..



One minute in the chords strike and then a long held note and a flurry of riffing, pummeling drums and soon the deep shouts of vocalist Jerms Genske. The song's chorus has an eerie chanting that adds a bit of atmosphere but doesn't pull from the gritty heaviness that ends with a bit of tranquil acoustics just as it began. This song happens to lead into my favorite track on the album 'Last Goodbye'.



The track fades in and as the listener you are bombarded by classic Thrash riffs and soon the double bass kicks in and then some more face melting leads. The reason I adore this song so much as it is extremely energetic and to the point but most of all due to the amazing and very fast solo towards the end of the track, the best on the album in my opinion.



When all is said and done I have to admit I am fairly impressed. I expected this to be yet another generic Metalcore group following in the footsteps of others and thankfully I was wrong. The right mix of modern Metal melody and classic Thrash brutality makes this a very worthy listen and one helluva first full length release. I highly recommend this to the general Metal community and at least hope you look into the group a little further. Thank you for reading and please support an avid Metal Supporter and click 'yes' below."