“Random Dictionary Of The Damned” contains speed-picking, blast beats and growls, but nothing that tops the charts in terms of speed, complexity, or lyrical content. Those seeking innovation should look elsewhere, but those seeking modern releases with a classic 90’s feel have found their Mecca.

Everything on this release resembles something great in Death Metal’s past. The guitars resonate the mid-range frequencies used on ENTOMBED’s “Left Hand Path.” The audible bass lines accentuate the low-end with a bit of clarity. Dave Ingram also adds a familiar voice to the composition as several tracks sound like B-sides for BENEDICTION’s “Transcending The Rubicon.” Fans of Melodic Death will find little to praise in the release’s amorous speed-picking, although a few chaotic CANNIBAL CORPSE frenzies appear from track to track.

In terms of production the standard format of dividing guitarists Rene Falther and Donovan Spenceley into left and right channels creates a few problems. The solo work becomes transparent on many tracks and most drum fills seem deadened by the use of single microphones over multiple toms. Drummer Rasmus Schmidt does not play with as much attack as others in the genre, but in truth a more piercing drummer would not fit within DOWNLORD’s standard song structure. DOWNLORD have already parted with three of Denmark’s finest drummers (Reno Killerich, Jesper Frost, and this release’s Rasmus Schmidt), although this void does not show on the overall composition.

“Nailing You In,” “Old World Chaos,” and “Turn On, Tune In, Drop Dead” represent DOWNLORD’s finest work. A few lulls occur on songs like “Underdrive” and “Random Domination” where lead patchwork attempts to cover a stagnant rhythmic style. The release engages listeners with a consistent approach except for the final track, which begins and ends with samples and industrial sludge. Despite its errors, “Sleep Forever” delivers a fitting conclusion for a release that many will view as a time capsule.

Had DOWNLORD composed “Random Dictionary Of The Damned” in 1993 they would have received praise; however, in light of the many faces that Death Metal has taken an approach like this will most likely receive unjust criticism and an encouraging nudge to adapt to a modern musical style.

(Online March 17, 2007)