Deicide’s tenth studio album, “To Hell with God,” released in 2011, is a relentless death metal assault on organized religion, featuring the band’s signature blasphemous lyrics and aggressive sound. It marked the final collaboration with guitarist Ralph Santolla, who passed away in 2018. The album achieved commercial success, debuting at number 117 on the Billboard 200 chart, and garnered generally positive reviews from critics.
Album length: 35:43
Death metal
February 15, 2011
Century Media Records
2009 - 2010
Audiohammer Studios (Sanford, Florida)
Mark Lewis
Anti-Christianity: The lyrics are filled with scathing denunciations of Christian beliefs and practices, often targeting figures like Jesus Christ and God himself. Expect lines that challenge the existence of God, mock religious rituals, and celebrate a rejection of faith.
Blasphemy and Provocation: Deicide has never shied away from controversy, and this album is no exception. The lyrics are deliberately provocative, aiming to shock and offend religious sensibilities. Be prepared for graphic descriptions of violence, sacrilege, and a general disregard for traditional morality.
Satanism and Anti-Theism: While not explicitly advocating for Satanism, the lyrics embrace a dark and rebellious spirit that aligns with Satanic themes. The rejection of God is often accompanied by an exaltation of personal power, free will, and a celebration of human potential outside the confines of religious dogma.
Apocalyptic and Nihilistic Themes: The album also touches upon apocalyptic imagery, suggesting the destruction of religious institutions and the collapse of a world order based on faith. There’s a nihilistic undercurrent that questions the meaning of life and the futility of religious devotion.
Aggressive and Energetic: The album is a relentless sonic assault from start to finish. The fast tempos, pummeling drums, and razor-sharp riffs create a sense of controlled chaos and unbridled aggression. This is music that demands your full attention and headbanging participation.
Dark and Blasphemous: The lyrical content and vocal delivery reinforce the album’s dark and blasphemous atmosphere. Benton’s guttural vocals spew forth anti-religious vitriol, conjuring images of rebellion, sacrilege, and defiance against established norms. This is not music for the faint of heart or easily offended.
Intense and Cathartic: Despite its dark themes, there’s a strange sense of catharsis to be found in the music. The sheer intensity of the sound, coupled with the lyrical release of anger and frustration, can be strangely liberating for those who share Deicide’s sentiments or simply enjoy a good dose of sonic aggression.
Technically Proficient: While the album is undeniably brutal, it’s not without its moments of technicality and musicianship. The guitar solos are impressive, the drum patterns are intricate, and the overall songwriting is tight and focused. This is not just mindless noise, but a well-crafted piece of death metal artistry.
Title and Theme: The album title, “To Hell with God,” reflects Deicide’s consistent anti-religious stance, specifically targeting Christianity. Glen Benton, the band’s frontman, has been vocal about his disdain for organized religion, and this album is no exception in its thematic approach.
Production: Unlike previous Deicide albums, “To Hell with God” was produced by Mark Lewis, not Steve Asheim, the band’s drummer. This marked a significant change in the production style for the band.
Final Album with Ralph Santolla: This was the last album to feature guitarist Ralph Santolla before his departure from the band. Santolla’s guitar work was notable for adding a melodic element to Deicide’s typically brutal sound.
Chart Performance: The album performed well on several charts, including reaching number 23 on the US Hard Rock Albums chart and number 10 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart, showcasing its commercial success within the genre.
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