Deadlock – Manifesto – Review

Release Date: January 20th, 2009
Record Label: Lifeforce Records
Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Pouring from das boot that is Bavaria, Deadlock has been enriching our metal needs for more than a decade and being fortunate enough to listen to their latest effort “Manifesto” I wanted to share some of my narcissistic and cuddly views on it.

Deadlock is a many tailed beast, meaning that they don’t simply draw from the composition of one genre but rather several. Different from traditional death metal and much like the technical fret prowess of Killswitch Engage, we get a mixture of melodic guitars and an addition of metalcore elements to boot. Not only that but Deadlock also has the tendency of melding electronica into their tracks, but don’t worry because it won’t flatten the death metal buzz that you seek. Lastly, the combination of vocals from Johannes and Sabine (which have grown together through to albums ) are some of the best male/female teamed vocals in recent memory. (rivaling even older Lacuna Coil).

I dare to you to find someone that doesn’t enjoy at least some part of this record. That’s right, you (probably) won’t be able to. The reason? “Manifesto” is just too multifaceted to not be enjoyed over all. May it be the death metal guitars that feel familiar to In Flames, the melodic metalcore touch of bands like Killswitch and Shadows Fall, the fabulously teamed vocals, or the fascinating touch of orchestral and techno that doesn’t falter the entire way, this record is full of surprises. (Including a “spittacular” rap sewn into the track, “Deathrace” that brings back memories of Limp Bizkit hah and a Kenny G-like sax solo in “Fire At Will”)

Thankfully these surprises are all skillfully joined together so you won’t find any cracks in this façade, but if you happen to be a death metal purist, then this might be too different for you to sync with. Also parts of their experimentation do shoot out in all directions searching for a home which some may find annoying. Otherwise, Deadlock has created an unbelievable record in “Manifesto” and you should be importing it from another country while you wait for it to hit the states on January 20th. ~Staff

Score: 4.5/5

Track Listing:
1. The Moribund Choir vs. The Trumpets Of Armageddon
2. Martyr To Science
3. Slaughter’s Palace
4. The Brave / Agony Applause
5. Deathrace
6. Fire At Will
7. Seal Slayer
8. Manifesto
9. Dying Breed
10. Altruism
11. Temple Of Love