Truthfully, there isn’t a whole lot here that you haven’t heard before. I’ve listened to this album quite a few times now, and I can’t see myself giving this many more listens in the future. That is to say, this isn’t completely worthless. But unfortunately, “Massacre” is an album that dips too often in the torrid rivers of mediocrity.

DEFLORACE seem to play the kind of Death Metal that is devoid of any distinguishing features, or any memorable song writing. In one ear and out the other, the material on “Massacre” is for the most part Death Metal by numbers, with little sprinkles of Grind. They sound akin to VADER at times, which is due mainly to a combination of like-sounding gruffly barked vocals, and a reliance on staccato riffing over constant blast-beats and double kick passages. At other times, the band ventures into more comfortable Death Metal territory, employing deeper growls accompanied by thick chugging riffs. DEFLORACE also throw in some lame semi-clean vocals, which remind me of the weird Czech wailings of the guy from !T.O.O.H.!

Although the material is fairly generic, there are a few redeeming qualities to be found littered around the place. The production is the first that springs to mind. Not excellent by any means, but the guitar tone is nice and thick, and occasionally the bass is allowed to breathe. Also, these guys show their ability to not take themselves to seriously. There are a few jokey songs littered around the place, like “Lada Hojer’s Going”, “Does She Love Me, Doesn’t She Love Me?”, and the absolute best song on the album, “Christmas Song”.

Personally, I wouldn’t spend my money on this, but it may find a few fans among those who enjoy VADER, SUFFOCATION and !T.O.O.H.!

(Online December 15, 2006)