DEKAPITATOR – The Storm Before The Calm

Eight years after the debut album, We Will Destroy … You Will Obey, these Bay Area thrashers are ready to unleash their second album called The Storm Before The Calm. Dekapitator took form in the mid-90s, starting off as an idea shared between Matt Hellfiend and Andy Maniac, both involved in the Gore/Death Metal act Exhumed, along with Dan Bulldoze (ex-Matewan and ex-Colostomy member). The mid-80s Thrash Metal movement has clearly set its mark on the band who’s sound could easily fit in the crowded Thrash scene of the 80’s. Bay Area pioneers like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Exodus, as well as German thrashers Destruction have made their influence on Dekapitator’s music, resulting in an album that is made in the vein of the good old days.

The Storm Before The Calm strikes with 9 implacable Thrash assaults. The songs are filled with razor-sharp riffs, chasing drums, and roaring vocals that will make any headbanger turn up the volume on the stereo. The title track kick starts the album with screaming civil defense sirens that slowly disappear into the heavy riffs, making a statement that anyone who listens should be beware of the danger to come. The listeners are also introduced to the neck-breaking speed that the band sticks with throughout the entire album. “The Call To Combat” is one of the songs that sticks out right away. Beside the snarling vocals and screaming chorus, the tight riffs and tremendous axe abuse are some of the elements that Dekapitator has to offer on this track. At the end of the song when the feeling that your head is about to burst strikes in, the clear sound of strings being plucked comes gently creeping in the background and brings order into chaos again, giving each tone more focus and definition.

“Eye Of The Storm,” as the name indicates, is a tranquil, melodic composition that is a warmly greeted interruption that let’s the listeners catch their breath before the musical fury returns. All in all, the album is nicely balanced with plenty of variety between the tracks without any loss of the aggressive attitude.

The Storm Before The Calm is a great mark of honor to the 80’s Thrash Metal scene that will surely get Metalheads adrenaline pumping.

Track List

1. The Storm Before The Calm
2. Toxic Sanctuary
3. Deathstrike Command
4. Run With The Pack
5. The Call To Combat
6. Eye Of The Storm
7. Earthscorcher
8. Screams From The Holocaust
9. The Scourging