If
you’re a fan of death metal, it is likely that over the last 25 years the
artwork of Mark Riddick has caught your attention, having contributed artwork
to hundreds of bands as wide-ranging as Arch Enemy, Arsis, Autopsy, Carnifex, Coffins, Deceased,
Dethklok, Exodus, Grave, Hirax, Horrendous, Hypocrisy, Infernal Curse, Internal
Bleeding, Kult of Azazel, Lividity, Morbid Angel, Mystifier, Nunslaughter,
Revel in Flesh, Rotting Christ, Skull Fist, Suffocation, Suicidal Angels, The
Black Dahlia Murder, Torture Killer, and Varathron, his works have become
legendary within the underground metal scene, indeed most recently Riddick was
referred too as the 25th most important person in metal, according
to Metal Sucks.
As
well his unparalleled artistic ability, Riddick has a passion for occult-tinged
old school death metal, with a vast musical discography to his name, having
played in bands since the early 90’s. Formed in 2007, Fetid Zombie have released
upwards of 15 releases since their debut “Pleasures
of the Scalpel” and after a succession, splits (12), EPs (1) and full
length albums (5) Riddick is set unleash his magnum opus. The album 'Epicedia' meaning ‘a funeral ode’ features unique collaborations
with some of the most well-regarded musicians from around the world. 'Epicedia' is ambitious and epic in
every sense of the word. Reminiscent of bands like The Chasm, Nocturnus,
Grave,
Deceased,
Master
and Sepultura,
it's a mix of all styles and a blend of outstanding elements from each one of
them but presented into truly necro and fetid earworm.
With
each decompostion close to 10 minutes in length and with a total of four
monoliths in total, each track showcases a progressive elaboration of death metal
that is raw and decaying at its core. In
summation Fetid
Zombie create rotten death metal with an unearthly aura, stuffed to
the gills with fantastic solos and memorable song structures, one that is
refreshing and atmospheric in its own
special way and if that hasn’t whetted your appetite for the truly necro then
today’s stream of “Lowered Beneath”
most certainly will.
