Deicide’s thirteenth studio album, “Banished by Sin,” released in April 2024 under Reigning Phoenix Music, marks the band’s return to their classic death metal sound with an unrelenting focus on blasphemous themes. While fan reception has been mixed, “Banished by Sin” showcases the band’s enduring dedication to their signature style and anti-religious message.
Album length: 38:59
Death metal
April 26, 2024
Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM)
November 2022 - May 2023
Smoke & Mirrors Productions (Spring Hill, Florida)
Deicide
Unrelenting Blasphemy: Deicide doesn’t hold back. This album is a full-frontal assault on organized religion, particularly Christianity. Expect lyrics that challenge religious dogma, mock biblical figures, and revel in the profane. If you’re looking for subtlety, you won’t find it here.
Anti-Religious Rebellion: The album is a rallying cry for those who reject religious authority. It celebrates the defiance of those who dare to question and oppose the established order. You’ll find lyrics that encourage listeners to break free from the shackles of faith and embrace their own individuality.
Embrace of Darkness and Sin: “Banished by Sin” doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of human nature. It embraces themes of sin, temptation, and the allure of the forbidden. This isn’t an album for the faint of heart, but if you’re drawn to the macabre and the transgressive, it will resonate with you.
The Demonic and the Occult: As with previous Deicide albums, there are references to Satanism and the occult. While not the central focus, these elements add another layer of darkness and intrigue to the lyrics.
Social Commentary: While primarily focused on anti-religious themes, there are hints of social commentary on hypocrisy, corruption, and the abuse of power within religious institutions. This adds a dimension of relevance to the lyrics, connecting them to real-world issues.
Relentless Aggression: Buckle up, because this album is a non-stop onslaught of sonic fury. From the opening track, you’re thrown into a maelstrom of blast beats, churning riffs, and Glen Benton’s signature guttural growl. It’s a relentless assault on your senses, leaving no room for respite.
Dark and Ominous Atmosphere: The album isn’t just aggressive; it’s steeped in a dark and sinister atmosphere. The music conjures images of infernal realms and blasphemous rituals. It’s the kind of soundtrack you’d expect to hear in the depths of hell, where rebellion reigns supreme.
Unbridled Energy and Fury: “Banished by Sin” pulsates with an unbridled energy and fury that’s infectious. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to throw your horns up and headbang until your neck hurts. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, this album delivers it in spades.
Anthemic and Empowering: Despite its darkness, the album also has an anthemic and empowering quality. The lyrics, while blasphemous, offer a sense of defiance and liberation. It’s music for those who refuse to conform, who embrace their own darkness, and who find strength in their rebellion.
A Touch of Chaos and Madness: There’s an underlying current of chaos and madness that runs through the album. It’s not just about aggression; it’s about embracing the wild and unpredictable. The music feels like it’s teetering on the edge of sanity, which adds another layer of excitement to the listening experience.
Album Cover Controversy: The album artwork, depicting a demonic figure, was initially created using AI. This sparked controversy among fans and critics, with some praising the innovation and others criticizing the use of AI in art.
Benton’s Unwavering Attitude: Frontman Glen Benton remained unfazed by the album cover controversy, stating, “I don’t give a shit what anybody else thinks.” This reflects his longstanding rebellious attitude and commitment to artistic freedom.
New Label, Same Sound: “Banished by Sin” marks Deicide’s first release with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). Despite the label change, the album maintains the band’s signature death metal sound and blasphemous lyrical themes.
Guitar Duo Shreds: The guitar work of Taylor Nordberg and Kevin Quirion is a standout feature of the album, with both guitarists delivering impressive solos and riffs throughout.
Deicide’s 1990 self-titled debut album is a seminal death metal release known for its speed, aggressive vocals, and anti-religious themes. It was recorded at Morrisound Recording and became a controversial but influential work in the genre.
Deicide’s second album, “Legion” (1992), is a death metal album recorded at Morrisound Recording and produced by Scott Burns. The album features complex riffs, abrupt tempo changes, and anti-religious themes.
“Once Upon the Cross” (1995) is Deicide’s third album, featuring 28 minutes of intense death metal. Known for its anti-religious content and controversial cover.
Released in 1997 by Roadrunner Records, Deicide’s Serpents of the Light is a death metal album featuring tracks like “Serpents of the Light” and “Bastard of Christ.” The album is noted for its aggressive riffs and blasphemous themes.
Deicide’s “Insineratehymn” is a 2000 death metal album featuring intense aggression, anti-Christian themes, and apocalyptic imagery.
“In Torment in Hell” is Deicide’s 2001 studio album, released by Roadrunner Records. Known for its raw sound and anti-Christian lyrics, the album features the band’s classic lineup and continues their tradition of anti-Christian themes.
Deicide’s “Scars of the Crucifix” is a sonic assault of pure aggression and anti-religious fury. This 2004 death metal album, the last with the Hoffman brothers on guitar, is a relentless barrage of blast beats, guttural vocals, and blasphemous lyrics.
Deicide’s 2006 album, “The Stench of Redemption,” released on Earache Records, features a new lineup and showcases a technical, aggressive death metal sound with blasphemous lyrics.
Deicide’s 2008 album, “Till Death Do Us Part,” is a brutal return to their classic death metal sound, featuring anti-Christian themes and intense musicianship.
Deicide’s 2011 album, “To Hell with God,” is a relentless and blasphemous death metal assault. It features their trademark aggressive sound, with fast tempos, pummeling drums, and razor-sharp riffs. Lyrically, the album continues their well-established anti-religious themes.
Deicide’s 2013 album “In the Minds of Evil”, their eleventh, features aggressive death metal and blasphemous lyrics exploring anti-religion, darkness, and violence.
Deicide’s 2018 album “Overtures of Blasphemy,” produced by Jason Suecof, is a relentless death metal assault showcasing their signature anti-religious themes and aggressive sound.
Deicide’s “Banished by Sin” (2024, Reigning Phoenix Music) is a classic death metal assault. Glen Benton leads vocally and in production, delivering a raw and aggressive sound that stays true to the band’s roots.