Deicide: In the Minds of Evil (2013)

Released in 2013, “In the Minds of Evil” is Deicide’s eleventh studio album, showcasing their signature blend of aggressive death metal and blasphemous lyricism. Produced by Jason Suecof and featuring Glen Benton’s iconic vocals, the album explores themes of anti-religion, darkness, and violence, delivering a relentless sonic assault that will satisfy fans of extreme metal.

Deicide: In the Minds of Evil (2013) album cover

Track Listing

  1. In the Minds of Evil
  2. Thou Begone
  3. Godkill
  4. Beyond Salvation
  5. Misery of One
  6. Between the Flesh and the Void
  7. Even the Gods Can Bleed
  8. Trample the Cross
  9. Fallen to Silence
  10. Kill the Light of Christ
  11. End the Wrath of God

Album length: 36:53

Music genre

Death metal

The Lineup for the Album

  • Glen Benton: vocals, bass
  • Steve Asheim: drums
  • Jack Owen: guitars
  • Kevin Quirion: guitars

Release Date

November 25, 2013

Record Label

Century Media Records

Recording Date

July - August 2013

Recording Studio

Audiohammer Studios (Sanford, Florida)

Produced by

Jason Suecof

Album Themes/Concept

Anti-religious themes: Benton’s vocals are a guttural roar of blasphemy, tearing down the pillars of Christianity and spitting on the idea of a benevolent God. Songs like “Godkill” and “Kill the Light of Christ” are a middle finger to the heavens, a furious rejection of dogma and a call to embrace the void.

Darkness and despair: The album delves into the depths of human depravity, exploring themes of misery, suffering, and the futility of existence. Tracks like “Beyond Salvation” and “Misery of One” paint a bleak picture of a world consumed by darkness, where hope is a fleeting illusion.

Violence and destruction: Deicide revels in the macabre, with lyrics that celebrate death, violence, and the destruction of all that is holy. “Trample the Cross” and “End the Wrath of God” are anthems of chaos and bloodshed, a sonic onslaught that leaves no room for redemption.

Album Mood

Aggression: From the opening blast beats to the final guttural roar, the album is a non-stop barrage of sonic fury. The guitars are razor-sharp, the drums are thunderous, and Benton’s vocals are a demonic growl from the depths of hell. This is music that is designed to be played loud, to shake the foundations of your soul.

Darkness: The album’s atmosphere is oppressive and suffocating, a descent into a world of despair and nihilism. The lyrics are filled with bleak imagery, painting a picture of a universe devoid of meaning or purpose. The music itself is a soundtrack to the apocalypse, a cacophony of violence and destruction.

Blasphemy: Deicide has never been shy about their hatred for religion, and “In the Minds of Evil” is no exception. The lyrics are a torrent of anti-Christian sentiment, a defiant rejection of faith and a celebration of all that is unholy. This is music that is designed to offend, to provoke, and to challenge the very foundations of belief.

Album Trivia

Lineup Changes: “In the Minds of Evil” is notable for featuring guitarist Kevin Quirion’s debut with Deicide. Quirion, who had played with Glen Benton’s side project Order of Ennead, replaced Ralph Santolla. This album also marked the last appearance of guitarist Jack Owen with the band.

Recording Challenges: Drummer Steve Asheim recorded the album while dealing with a painful shoulder injury that frequently dislocated during the sessions. Despite this, Asheim managed to deliver a performance praised for its intensity and spontaneity.

Return to Roots: The album was produced by Jason Suecof, who aimed to recapture the old-school death metal feel reminiscent of Deicide’s early works. The band consciously moved away from the more melodic elements present in their recent albums, focusing instead on straightforward, brutal death metal.

Lyrical Themes: As expected from Deicide, the album’s lyrics are steeped in anti-religious themes, continuing Glen Benton’s long-standing tradition of blasphemous content. Tracks like “Godkill” and “Kill the Light of Christ” exemplify this thematic consistency.

Sample Use: The title track “In the Minds of Evil” features a sample from the movie “The Dark Knight,” adding a unique cinematic touch to the album’s opening​.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

  • Crave old-school death metal with a modern edge: “In the Minds of Evil” harkens back to the raw aggression of Deicide’s early work, while still incorporating modern production techniques and songwriting sensibilities.
  • Enjoy blasphemous and anti-religious lyrics: Deicide pulls no punches when it comes to their hatred of organized religion. If you’re looking for music that challenges your faith and spits in the face of the divine, look no further.
  • Appreciate technical proficiency and musicianship: Steve Asheim’s drumming is a masterclass in extreme metal percussion, and the dual guitar attack of Jack Owen and Kevin Quirion is both brutal and melodic.
  • Want to headbang and mosh your brains out: This album is designed to incite violence and chaos. If you’re looking for a soundtrack to your next pit session, “In the Minds of Evil” will deliver.

You might want to pass this one if you…

  • Are easily offended by extreme metal themes and imagery: Deicide’s lyrics are not for the faint of heart. If you’re sensitive to graphic depictions of violence, blasphemy, and misanthropy, this album is not for you.
  • Prefer your death metal with a more melodic or progressive approach: While “In the Minds of Evil” does have its moments of melody, it’s primarily a straightforward assault of aggression and brutality.
  • Are looking for a groundbreaking or experimental album: Deicide sticks to their tried-and-true formula on this album. If you’re expecting them to reinvent the wheel, you’ll be disappointed.
  • Are a devout Christian or religious person: This album is a direct attack on your beliefs. If you’re not prepared to have your faith challenged, steer clear.