The front cover of the second album by Melbourne’s demented masters of insane metal and hardcore, King Parrot, looks like the promo poster for some crazy horror flick. And the most telling aspect is the little ‘R Rated’ symbol next to the album’s title. Dead Set truly isn’t for those of sensitive disposition or the frail of mind. It’s for those who love extremity in their music.
Opener Anthem of the Advance Sinner bursts from the speakers and the album maintains a venomous, spitting, but tongue-in-cheek rage for every living second of its length. The band bludgeons the senses with fury, and frontman Matt Young howls, screams and screeches as though his life depends on it. You can just imagine the vocal booth in the recording studio after he completes his vocal takes for the album, the spit, blood and maybe even a few chunks of lung adorning the walls. Such is the commitment with which he delivers his lines.
If you’re at all familiar with King Parrot, you’ll know exactly what to expect. The songs are completely insane slabs of extreme metal, punk and hardcore, and the band occasionally inject some groove into the mix, giving welcome respite from the thrash-y maelstrom. The title track and album closer is well worth the near-three year wait.
In recent years, King Parrot have built their notoriety in Australia and around the world, and this album is set to continue that form. A completely unhinged masterpiece.
BY ROD WHITFIELD
