THE CASKET Zombified (Earblast Records 2021, ER023)

I have to congratulate THE CASKET for being the Malaysian band with the most elaborate Zombie-themed band in the country, couldn’t think of any other more prevalent than them as yet. As for the music itself, in short this is still in the ‘’you know it thus you will expect it’’ kind of old school death Metal entrapped in the 90s, veering more towards the build-up heaviness of mid-tempo horrors rather than speed or blast-beat. The feel-good kind of death Metal, if that is ever permitted in the death Metal dictionary. And by dear zombie, “Zombified” clearly is much more better in every aspect than its predecessor “Rise The Undead” which I am fortunate enough to get the opportunity to review it a certain while ago. Which is good, isn’t it? Why shouldn’t it. THE CASKET aim and purpose is as clear as an abandoned ruins after a zombie rampage, so clear that I will take the audacity of not explaining it further. No confusion is necessary. The theme is proudly declared, so is the music. That niche is yours THE CASKET, held it firmly. That (un)comfortable zone is proudly yours. Another congratulation is due for being loyal to the cause you have always believe in. Time and again in the long process it will pay its due as witnessed so many times before. You will also get a nice sticker and a button badge with the cd, rather than depart with your money for some questionable and curious purchase, “Zombified” is a safe bet if you know what’s on the plate.

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THE CASKET "Dead Is Alive"

THE CASKET "Dead Is Alive" MCD (Earblast Records)

Right from the initial guitarworks it is clear to me that THE CASKET heavily leaned towards the US-styled brutal death Metal tendency. But they're not quite that to-the-wall US brutal death Metal all the way. This has much to do with the way they arrange the songs I think. Most prevalent is of course the drum-programming utilised here. I mean, those riffs will perfectly fit any guttural generic brutal death Metal album with ease, but then combined with the programming arrangements, they're not quite that anymore. Perhaps THE CASKET tries to incorporate some other elements of death Metal in them, but that drum-programming, they're not that potent. More than a couple of times I'll get lost in the course of the listening, distraction caused primarily by the way the programming altering the passages in the songs. Those songs will work even better with a real drummer, this I could almost be sure of. And that could elevate THE CASKET as a typically good death Metal band most probably. But for now, those drum-programmings won't do much for me. Leave MORTICIAN alone, they are not from this planet.

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