The Dead- Ritual Executions CD on Diabolical Conquest

The second full length album of the Australian band The Dead is a brilliant mix of twisted, brain-warping death metal and miasmic sludgy/stoner doom. Perfectly arranged to maintain a sublime, engrossing balance, the combination of sharp, visceral hooks and massive doom trudges with remarkably groovy parts render Ritual Executions one of the most unique and fascinating albums to be released in this era. The remixing and remastering done by Aphotic Mote (Portal) specially for this Diabolical Conquest Records version makes the originally dense and suffocating Ritual Executions much more breathable but retains the rawness and underground vibe that bring The Dead to life. The modified artwork sketched by vocalist Mike Yee suitably captures the essence and horrific otherworldly feel of The Dead's music - only a band member could achieve that.