I am such an enlightened musical connoisseur. Sure, I listen to music broadly labeled as “metal” but, as my teen years came to an end, so did my need to be “brutal” or “extreme” or whatever. Now, my metal must be tinged with experimentation and infiltration of many different sounds; trip-hop, jazz, classical. All of this blast-beating and incessant growling gives me a headache. Indeed, I am far more dignified and advanced than that…

Whatever. A part of me wanted to turn my nose up to Misery Index’s decidedly “old-school” effort, Retaliate, but, try as I might, I couldn’t help but get a kick out of its unabashedly, shamelessly Death Metal approach to their music. This isn’t to say it’s magically transported me in a nostalgic haze back in time to where a pudgy, pale, pimply-faced teen scavenged through pant pockets and couch cushions for enough money to buy the latest Death CD and a pack of smokes, but I must admit it did emit a head-bang or two.

And how could it not with a pedigree like the one on display here? Bassist/Vocalist Jason Netherton and Guitarist Sparky Voyles are currently and formerly, respectively, of Death Metal legends Dying Fetus, among others. Have I heard a single song by Dying Fetus? No. Therefore, do I really care that they’re from Dying Fetus? Not really, but for a regular DM aficionado, it’s probably saying a lot.

The album kicks off with the title track, which immediately assures us that this is not In Flames, Soilwork or even Dark Tranquility; this is Misery Index and Misery Index is pissed. A flurry of blast-beats courtesy of Matt Byers ensues along with the super chunk of Voyles and Netherton’s throaty, meat-grinder-esque vocal delivery.

Unlike your Daddy’s (or, more aptly, your “not-quite-right” cousin on your father’s side you only see at family reunions) Death Metal, which had more of a focus on blood, gore, necromancy and all of that happy stuff, Misery Index’s lyrical approach focuses more on social injustice, the wrongs of man and, of course, retaliation for said wrongs. Think hardcore but with more balls and fewer shout-outs.

However, one inherent flaw in Retaliate and, concurrently, one found in most Death Metal, is a feeling of sameness apparent throughout the entire album. A consistent musical theme running through a record is one thing but when I can’t tell the difference between “The Great Depression” which is followed by “Angst isst die Seele” which is followed by “Demand the Impossible” and so on, that’s when I start fumbling for the “advance track” button.

Still, though, one thing I have to give the band is they know when to get when the getting’s good. The ten-track album is barely a half-hour long, which might piss off some of those who just dropped fifteen bucks for the thing. But really, if it were any longer, even the diehards would probably start getting a little antsy. The songs come in, stomp on your face with a pair of size 11 Dr. Marten’s and get out. Quick and simple.

For Netherton and co. they have accomplished probably all that they set out to do with Retaliate: it’s brutal, it’s crushing, it’s (insert cliché Death Metal descriptor here). They weren’t looking to deftly blend elements of metal with jazz or trip-hop or screaming monkey polka, nor were they looking to break down new barriers in the world of music, they simply wanted to make a heavy as hell Death Metal album.

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Misery Index

Retaliate

Released: August 26, 2003
Origination Year: 2003
Time: N/A
Tracks: 11
Produced by: N/A
Style: Studio
Format: CD
Enhancement:N/A
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Website:
Misery Index

Retaliate
The Lies That Bind
The Great Depression
Angst Isst Die Seele Auf
Demand the Impossible
Order Upheld / Dissent Dissolved
Servants of Progress
The Unbridgeable Chasm
Bottom Feeders
History is Rotten
Birth of Ignorance