Originally ending their first run in 2018, Order of the Dead came back into existence in 2020 – issuing two EPs since to set up this second full-length album Captives. Only guitarist Jody Roberts and bassist John Malone remain from the previous era – joined by three new recruits with second guitarist Earl Treese, vocalist Zach Barney, and drummer Joe Lionti. Those familiar to the group’s previous recordings know that a decent cross-section of death, thrash, and groove metal influences come into focus for these eight tracks – pulling from influences far and wide that capture a sound that’s aggressive, technically sharp, yet very catchy when necessary.
The savage riffs, thoughtful lead breaks, and mammoth speed to mid-tempo transition elements make “Into Nothing” an ideal opener, the arrangement containing numerous twists over it’s six and a half-minute playback. Thicker walls of down-tuned guitars force you to submit to the aural sway that is “Ritual Magick”, the additional squeals and narrative sequence feeding more of a modern stomp to the melodic death/thrash proceedings. Zach’s voice has more of an impassioned rasp compared to the previous Order of the Dead frontman that lived in that semi-growl lower delivery with the occasional scream to punctuate things. “Tetsu no Ame” showcases all aspects of his rhythmic nature, possessed by the churning musical foundation that contains killer twin melodic death spots a la the best of 90s Scandinavian greats like Dark Tranquillity or In Flames. The longest cut “Reaggravate” at just over eight-minutes ventures into blackened death territory – the tremolo picking plus furious blasting sections intense next to some more controlled marching-oriented riffs. Even the closer “A Grand Design” rivals the best aspects of Morbid Angel and Nile next to European melodic death, the accents on unison riffs/tempo changes a headbanger’s delight.
The updated production and sharper tones really take the previous album The Jackals Hold Us Captive to that next level – so it’s understandable why Order of the Dead gives that material a fresh perspective through the current lineup with Captives. Hopefully we’ll get more sick new original songs in the coming years, as these gentlemen prove that the underground still has plenty of vitality left in the tank.