Misery Index - Heirs To Theivery
Rating
RIYL
Dying FetusNapalm Death
Coldworker
Release Date
05/11/2010
Label
RelapseTracklist
1. Embracing Extinction2. Fed To The Wolves
3. The Carrion Call
4. Heirs To Thievery
5. The Spectator
6. The Iluminaught
7. The Seventh Cavalry
8. Plague Of Objects
9. You Lose
10. Sleeping Giants
11. Day of the Dead
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Since their formation in 2001, each Misery Index release has drawn an immediate comparison to Dying Fetus, an inevitable occurrence due to the fact the group was founded by ex-Dying Fetus members Jason Netherton and Sparky Voyles. The debate between fans over which group is "better" continues to rage and was further fueled by Dying Fetus' excellent 2009 release Descend Into Depravity. Considering their excellent track record, Misery Index has done more than enough to distance themselves from their former band, and their latest release is yet another excellent addition to their already impressive discography and further cements their position as one of the most consistent and talented groups in metal.
It's worth mentioning that this album is not for the fainthearted. From opener "Embracing Extinction" onward, expect non-stop, in-your-face riffing, blasting, double bass and maniacal screaming, courtesy of Netherton and guitarist Mark Kloeppel, interspersed with the group's trademark groove. "Fed to the Wolves" relinquishes a small amount of brutality in favor of some tasteful noodling, a notable change from their typically unrelenting attack. In fact, it's subtle nuances like these that that make Heirs To Thievery so enjoyable. The inherent catchiness and bouncy rhythm of tracks like "The Spectator" will have you bobbing your head without even realizing it, which is no small feat for a band this intense, while the crushing lurch of "The Seventh Cavalry" shows a hint of Hail of Bullets influence, a first for the group and an extremely welcome addition to their sound.
Despite the occasional deviance from their trademark sound, Misery Index frequently shows why they're considered one of the most brutal bands on the Relapse roster. The title track, "You Lose" and "Plague of Objects" take a page from the straightforward grind of their previous album, while several moments throughout the album offer nostalgic reminders of Dying Fetus circa Killing On Adrenaline. The drumming on each Misery Index album is fantastic, and Adam Jarvis once again puts in a sensational performance. His steady blasting and well-timed fills constantly take center stage amidst the surrounding chaos and is only enhanced by the album's fantastic production.
From the release of their debut EP, Overthrow, Misery Index have diligently worked to perfect their gritty mix of grind and death metal topped off with the occasional slam and crust influence. Having released a handful of exceptional full-lengths, splits and EPs over the past nine years, their only arguable misstep was the slightly mis-produced Dissent EP, a minuscule crack in their otherwise flawless musical output. I mention the group's back catalog because, as excellent as it is, Heirs To Thievery tops everything the band has done. This album is more brutal, more technical and outright more listenable than the majority of albums released this year. Keeping that in mind, one might ask if Misery Index has finally surpassed Dying Fetus in terms of quality and musical output? The answer is "maybe," but we should all just feel fortunate that both bands continue putting out exceptional, boundary-pushing music in a time when bands like this exist.
--Matt Murphy
Comments
Green Brook, NJ
this album single-handedly restored my faith in metal.
Minneapolis, MN
Another commonality between Dying Fetus and Misery Index is Kevin Talley (drummer) has played in both bands. I think he's in Daath now which is shame because I thought those other bands showed off his talents more.
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Infinitely Inwards
Pretty good stuff....and Jared, Kevin Talley is a studio drummer for a lot of bands including daath, misery index, hate eternal, dying fetus and even Chimaira. He has also filled in on tour for absent drummers from bands like Suffocation, The Black Dahlia Murder, and The Red Chord....although I think you are right about him sticking with Daath for the moment. He's one of the greats in death metal.
Ever Forthright - Ever Forthright
Fallujah - The Harvest Wombs
The New Law - The Fifty Year Storm
The Mars Volta - Noqtourniqet
Aborted - Global Flatline
Spawn of Possession - Incurso
Crippled Black Phoenix - (Mankind)The Crafty Ape
Minneapolis, MN
Ahh yes, I can't forget the dark ages of Chimaira. Nothing against Talley, but Andols Herrick is a better fit for that band.
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