To begin, here's what you need to know:
1. Deicide is an extreme death metal band from Florida.
2. "Scars of the crucifix" is the band's eighth studio offering; the first on new label Earache records.
3. Proud to be satanists, Deicide pride themselves with Bible bashing and Jesus defiling metalheads.

With a decade-long relationship with Roadrunner ending with their last studio (and admittedly half-hearted) offering "In torment in hell", Deicide have returned with around 30 minutes of pure death metal blasphemy and ecstasy and "Scars of the crucifix" brings the band (Glenn Benton on bass/vocals, Eric and Brian Hoffman on lead guitars and Steve Asheim on drums) back to its unholy glory. Virtuosity is essential in death metal, and being listener friendly is not its goal. Glenn brings out his trademark, as I like to describe as 'living dead on a rampage', vocals on all nine tracks, and Steve Asheim's furious drumming rips throughout.

I have to talk abou the guitars on this album - the best! Neil Kernon (producer) has brought to life the best guitar sounds I have heard on a death record. The leads played by the Hoffman brothers are melodic, memorable, and fantastic(Take a hint, Kirk Hammett).

The lyrics are the usual hatred for christianity ('Mad at God', 'Scars of the crucifix' etc.) but a definite essential album for all fans of extreme and death metal.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Listening