Dethklok-- Dethalbum II (2009)

Review written by Steven M. Duarte

There’s no denying the popularity of the virtual heavy metal band Dethklok. The show Metalocalypse has been renewed for a third season on Adult Swim and the fictional band is currently on tour supporting Mastodon. Series creator Brendon Small brings us the second full length album from Dethklok. This sophomore effort from is definitely an upgrade over the first Dethalbum. While I did enjoy the first Dethalbum I treated it more as a companion to the cartoon show. Dethalbum II breaks from this mold as it truly stands on its own as a heavy metal album. While giving the album repeated listens, I often forgot that I was listening to Dethklok. This album could hold its own against such bands as Arch Enemy and Children of Bodom.

The album starts off strong with tribal drumming on “Bloodlines.” The double pedal drumming done by former Strapping Young Lad drummer Gene Hoglan adds to the great production of the album. Much like the cartoon show, you will find yourself headbanging to the thunderous drumming and guitar solos. Dethalbum II also includes much more keyboard work this time around which is a welcome addition. Other standout songs on the album include “The Gears,” “Burn the Earth,” and “Murmaider II: The Water God,” which is part two of the first albums song Murmaider. The difference in song composition between Murmaider 1 and 2 really shows how much the music has matured with Dethalbum.

Dethalbum II does retain the over the top song names and lyrics that were prevalent on the first album. While this may be considered corny for a band such as Dimmu Borgir or Nile, it works for Dethklok as their show portrays themselves as laughable heavy metal heads. This album has garnered repeated listenings from me as I have accepted Dethklok as a formidable heavy metal band. I still get amazed at the fact that one man plays majority of the instruments in creating this monstrous album. I would definitely recommend this album over their first due to the more mature sound and overall better compositions of the songs.

Track List

1 "Bloodlines"

2 "The Gears"

3 "Burn the Earth"

4 "Laser Cannon Deth Sentence"

5 "Black Fire Upon Us" 

6 "Deth Support"

7 "The Cyborg Slayers"

8 "I Tamper with the Evidence at the Murder Site of Odin"

9 "Murmaider II: The Water God"

10 "Comet Song"

11 "Symmetry" 

12 "Volcano

--Steven M. Duarte