I once read a commentary about how the typical heavy metal band is actually a non-cohesive group of drug induced musical soloists that habitually play their instruments disengaged of “the band” until the drugs wear off. Sadly, it has been awhile since I’ve heard a new metal band that hasn’t somewhat validated this joke. Recently, however, a friend of mine had me sample a largely unknown band from Germany that forced me to rethink my belief about the metal zenith being twenty years in the past. Enter Necrophagist.

No bones about it, Necrophagist is an earth-shuddering death metal band that is surprisingly skillful in orchestrating the “power-machine” that every metal fan longs for . The drummer, Romain Goulon, open throttles a unique signature of double-bass while the guitars, Muhammed Suicmez and Sami Raatikainen, are insuperable with their wizardry of harmonic laden asymmetric riffing. The bassist, Sami Raatikainen, refuses to stay down, bursting all 6-strings into action when called upon, and the vocals, performed by the guitarist Muhammed, unleash with the most horrific death-growl one could ask for.

Like the kindred Cannibal Corpse, Necrophagist is undoubtedly some pretty nerdy shit. And I cannot get enough! (Why are there not more albums?!!) The one thing that bothers me about this band, however, is that I might not have learned about them. What a tragedy that should have been…

Listen to the “Epitaph” album today. I have waited years for something like this…

Though not a substitute for the complete “Epitaph” in good sound quality, dig on the recently acquired drummer, Romain Goulon, playing over a montage of pre-recorded guitar tracks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdgkzYOYUp0