Despite hailing from Germany,
Deadsoil's metallic yet melodic sound is unmistakably American -- just watch an episode of Fuse for the proof. Hard-hitting drumming, hardcore metal riffs, and vocals that alternate between barked verses and singalong choruses have served as a blueprint for success for countless bands since the late '90s, and
Deadsoil are certainly purveyors of this style. The quintet's fourth release overall, 2006's
Sacrifice, shows the group continuing to hone this approach, although like the majority of their European metal kin, the group's fondness for "tricky bits" shows their love of vintage
Iron Maiden. Drummer Christian Bass leads the charge throughout with metronome-perfect time keeping, as evidenced on such tracks as "Cross the Great Divide" and "The Day I Die." Elsewhere, singer Rene Betzold does battle against rubbery guitar riffs on "Forget Everything." Once praised by none other than
Hatebreed's Jamey Jasta, fans of modern day U.S. metal should surely take note of
Sacrifice. ~ Greg Prato