Dethklok

How is it that a fictitious band can create better death metal than most of the genre’s modern heavyweights? Dethalbum finds legendary metal drummer Gene Hoglan (Death, Strapping Young Lad) throwing down furious death metal beats to a collection of songs penned by cartoons, of all things. To understand the record, one must know the premise: on their show Metalocalypse, Dethklock are a cartoon band that have become so popular they are the 12th largest economy in the world. Each 11-minute episode follows them through various ridiculous situations and features some truly crushing metal that closely mimics Cannibal Corpse’s style and lyrical content. Dethalbum is a two-disc compilation of those various tunes. While one wouldn’t think that tracks penned to complement visual gags would work, Dethalbum is stellar. The songs stand on their own and when one has the added understanding of their origins it makes for entertainment that’s as impressive as the metal itself. As a side-gag to the show, Dethalbum is fun. As the "creation” of Dethklok, it sets a new standard for grinding guitars, swooping solos and straight-up, ball-crushing metal.