Deicide: Till Death Do Us Part (2008)

“Till Death Do Us Part,” released in 2008 by Earache Records, is Deicide’s ninth studio album and marks a return to their classic death metal sound with a focus on anti-Christian themes and unrelenting brutality. The album features a lineup of Glen Benton, Steve Asheim, Ralph Santolla (session), and Jack Owen, and was produced by Asheim at Morrisound Studios. It is notable for being Deicide’s longest studio album and for Santolla’s final appearance on a Deicide record.

Deicide: Till Death Do Us Part (2008) album cover

Track Listing

  1. The Beginning of the End
  2. Till Death Do Us Part
  3. Hate of All Hatreds
  4. In the Eyes of God
  5. Worthless Misery
  6. Severed Ties
  7. Not as Long as We Both Shall Live
  8. Angel of Agony
  9. Horror in the Halls of Stone
  10. The End of the Beginning

Album length: 42:07

Music genre

Death metal

The Lineup for the Album

  • Glen Benton: vocals, bass
  • Steve Asheim: drums, guitars
  • Ralph Santolla: lead guitar (as a session musician)
  • Jack Owen: rhythm and lead guitar

Release Date

April 28, 2008

Record Label

Earache Records

Recording Date

October – December 2007

Recording Studio

Morrisound Studios (Tampa, Florida)

Produced by

Steve Asheim

Album Themes/Concept

Anti-Christianity and Blasphemy: Deicide has never been shy about their disdain for organized religion, and this album is no exception. Expect plenty of vitriol directed towards Christianity, Jesus, and God, all wrapped in graphic and violent imagery.

Death and Violence: This wouldn’t be a death metal album without a healthy dose of gore and brutality. The lyrics revel in depictions of death, dismemberment, and suffering, often with a sadistic edge.

Misanthropy and Nihilism: Deicide’s worldview is bleak and cynical, with a strong undercurrent of hatred for humanity and a belief in the futility of existence. The lyrics often express a desire for destruction and chaos, reflecting a deep sense of disillusionment and despair.

Occult and Satanic Themes: While not always explicitly Satanic, the lyrics often draw on occult imagery and symbolism, suggesting a fascination with the darker side of spirituality and a rejection of conventional morality.

Personal Torment and Suffering: Amidst all the anger and hatred, there’s also a sense of personal anguish and torment in the lyrics. The songs touch on themes of inner turmoil, emotional pain, and the struggle to find meaning in a meaningless world.

Album Mood

Relentless Aggression: This album is a sonic assault from start to finish. The fast tempos, pummeling drums, and razor-sharp riffs create a constant barrage of aggression that rarely lets up. Prepare for a visceral and adrenaline-fueled experience.

Dark and Ominous Atmosphere: The music is not just aggressive, it’s also incredibly dark and unsettling. The dissonant harmonies, sinister melodies, and Benton’s guttural vocals create a sense of impending doom and chaos that permeates the entire album.

Technical Proficiency and Intensity: While the music is raw and brutal, it’s also surprisingly technical. The musicianship is top-notch, with intricate guitar work and complex song structures that add depth and intensity to the overall sound.

Unrelenting Brutality: This is not an album for the faint of heart. The music is unapologetically brutal, with blast beats, tremolo picking, and guttural vocals that will leave you feeling battered and bruised.

Occasional Melodic Touches: While the album is predominantly aggressive, there are occasional moments of melody that add a touch of contrast and dynamism. These melodic elements are often fleeting, but they serve to enhance the overall impact of the music.

Album Trivia

Steve Asheim’s Multi-Instrumental Role: Drummer Steve Asheim took on a more prominent role in this album, not only playing drums but also recording guitars on several tracks.

Longest Deicide Album: “Till Death Do Us Part” is Deicide’s longest studio album, clocking in at 42 minutes.

“Glen Benton for President” Campaign: The album’s initial release included a sew-on patch with the phrase “Glen Benton for President.” While not a serious political campaign, it became a popular slogan among fans and added to the album’s rebellious spirit.

 

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

  • Crave unrelenting brutality: If you’re a fan of pure, unadulterated death metal with no frills or compromises, “Till Death Do Us Part” delivers a relentless sonic assault that will leave you battered and bruised.
  • Enjoy blasphemous and anti-religious themes: Deicide’s lyrics are not for the easily offended. If you revel in anti-Christian sentiments and violent imagery, you’ll find plenty to appreciate here.
  • Appreciate technical proficiency: While the music is brutal, it’s also surprisingly technical, with intricate guitar work and complex song structures that will keep you engaged.
  • Want a taste of classic Deicide: This album marks a return to the band’s classic sound, with a focus on raw aggression and dark atmosphere reminiscent of their earlier work.

You might want to pass this one if you…

  • Prefer melodic or atmospheric death metal: If you’re looking for a more melodic or atmospheric death metal experience, “Till Death Do Us Part” might not be your cup of tea. It’s a raw and uncompromising album with little room for subtlety.
  • Are easily offended by graphic lyrics: Deicide’s lyrics are notoriously violent and blasphemous. If you’re sensitive to such content, you might want to steer clear of this album.
  • Dislike guttural vocals: Glen Benton’s vocals are deep, guttural, and aggressive. If you prefer clean or melodic vocals, this album might not be for you.
  • Are new to death metal: If you’re just getting into death metal, “Till Death Do Us Part” might be a bit too intense to start with. It’s a good idea to explore some of the genre’s more accessible offerings before diving into this one.