Artist: Dismember Album: Where Ironcrosses Grow

Year: 2004
Duration: 38:32

Where Ironcrosses Grow: Dismember's Unforgettable Album

As a lover of death metal, I am always on the hunt for an album that will blow my mind with its brutality and musicianship. And one album that has never failed me is Dismember's Where Ironcrosses Grow. The album takes me on a wild journey of extreme sounds and raw emotions. But what makes it so unique? In this blog post, I'll be giving you a critical review of this unforgettable album, along with a brief history of the artist, the music genre of the album, the best songs, the most innovative parts, and a critic of the album.

Dismember, a Swedish death metal band formed in 1988 by David Blomqvist and Robert Senneback, is known for their aggressive and violent music style. They have released numerous albums, but none have stood out like Where Ironcrosses Grow, which was released in 2004. The album is a testament to the band's growth and evolution in their musical style, and it showcased their creativity and skill beyond just delivering mindless brutality.

The music genre of Where Ironcrosses Grow is death metal, but it is far from the typical generic death metal sound. The album stands out because it is neither technical nor melodic. Instead, it's a dark blend of old school death metal with a touch of modernization. It's a sound that is instantly recognizable as Dismember's, with its fast riffs, monstrous growls, and pummeling rhythm section.

The best songs of the album are Feeling the Neverworld, Where Ironcrosses Grow, and Tragedy of the Faithful. These songs perfectly capture the spirit and intensity of the band's sound. Feeling the Neverworld starts with a haunting acoustic intro that leads into an explosive death metal riff. Its lyrics are an existential exploration of the unknown, delivered with a sense of desperation by vocalist Matti Kärki. The title track, Where Ironcrosses Grow, is explosive in every sense of the word, with blasting drums and technical riffing. Tragedy of the Faithful is arguably the most emotional track on the album, with its melancholic melodies and heart-wrenching lyrics.

The most innovative parts of the album are the incorporation of clean singing and melodic guitar solos. These are not typical elements of death metal, but Dismember manages to utilize them in a way that enhances the album's overall sound. Silent are the Watchers, for example, is a slow-tempo song that features clean singing and beautiful arpeggios, giving the listener a moment of respite before the crushing next track.

In terms of criticism, Where Ironcrosses Grow could benefit from a more distinct sound and dynamic range. Some of the songs start to sound repetitive towards the end of the album, and the production could have been better to allow more clarity in the mix.

In conclusion, Dismember's Where Ironcrosses Grow is an outstanding album that showcases the band's growth and evolution in their musical style. The album's unique sound and incorporation of clean singing and melodic guitar solos make it a standout in the death metal genre. The standout tracks of the album are Feeling the Neverworld, Where Ironcrosses Grow, and Tragedy of the Faithful. While there are some minor criticisms, overall, the album is a must-listen for any death metal fan who is looking for something beyond the typical generic sound.