Derkéta: In Death We Meet (Remixed / Reissue with Bonus Tracks)

I'm always a little concerned when I cover a reissue. Harder still is an album that has been remixed and is no longer exactly the product that fans got their hands on the first time around. George Lucas tinkered with Star Wars—and not always for the best. Sometimes, it's better not to mess around with a good thing. Is this one of those albums that everyone loves, one that shouldn't be messed with? I'm not sure; I did not catch this album when it was first released, so I won't be able to make the necessary points of comparison. Sure, I could hunt things down, but I think what I'll offer here is my current impression of things, not a comparative perspective.

Some readers will know that Derkéta is often considered to be the first all-female death metal band. Given that they got started back in 1988, there's certainly a chance that's true. Metal has historically been dominated by males even though we all know there are tons of women who write their own music and play with all the passion and heaviness we've come to expect from extreme metal. I don't mean to skirt the problem of gender in popular music—this just isn't the time to develop that topic at length. Simply put, Derkéta brings the metal to the people in all the right ways. This album, the band's debut, is actually not very old. Despite the band's early start, their debut only appeared in 2009. With this remix / reissue, fans will be able to hear an impressive collection of songs that have not only the heaviness of death metal, but also something of the rasp and venom of black metal. As I listened to the album, I found each track to be engaging, powerful, and heavy, especially in the guitars. The drums seemed a little too loud, as though they were turned way up in the remix. They sound good, but sometimes sound a little too busy, crowded even. This was especially true on the cover of "Troops of Doom," a track that I otherwise loved. The vocals, slightly lower in volume, are consistent but unvaried. They suit the music well enough and do not take away from the overall strength of this release. I'd definitely suggest listening to this album, especially if you've never heard Derkéta before. The vinyl version of this album also includes 4 live tracks. It's been a long road for Derkéta, but the proof is in the music. Check it out.

Track Listing:
1. Goddess of Death
2. Obscurities of Darkness
3. Rest in Peace
4. Until Our Death
5. Shadows of the Past
6. Last Rites
7. Witchburned
8. In Death We Meet
9. Darkness Fades (bonus)
10. Troops of Doom (Sepultra Cover)

Added: October 2nd 2015
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: band website
Hits: 1484
Language: english

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