Band:	Decapitated
Album:	The Negation
Style:	Technical death metal
Release date:	February 2004

01. The Fury
02. Three-Dimensional Defect
03. Lying And Weak
04. Sensual Sickness
05. Calling
06. The Negation
07. Long-Desired Dementia
08. The Empty Throne
09. Lunatic Of God's Creation [Deicide cover] [bonus]

I bought this album earlier this year while loafing around the mall and trying to look cool in my metal attire, consisting of a bad ass t-shirt and my Adidas shoes. I went into Sam Goody not expecting much but they actually have an alright selection. I had received a gift card from my sister for the holiday and decided to use it. After looking around I found Decapitated's "The Negation" sitting on the shelf all alone so I thought I would give the bugger a home and bought it.

Now, being a big fan of Polish Extreme Metal, I was predisposed to liking Decapitated no matter what. I wouldn't call it a bias but it seems that every Polish band I listen to I really enjoy. It must just be some occult connection I have with them. Over time, however, while still loving the album, I have come to judge it as it is.

The album starts off with "The Fury." It starts with about 20 seconds of feedback/ambience that leads into a pretty sweet riff that goes on until the forty second mark which leads into another riff; at the 57 second mark Sauron's trademark vocals come into the mix. While they must not be the most original vocals they are definitely some of the sickest and most well executed. A really sweet riff enters in at 1:35, a decent solo at around 1:50, and again at about 3:20. The song never really loses steam. It chugs along without getting too redundant. Plenty of headbangable riffing in this one. Next is "Three-Dimensional Defect" which I enjoy a lot, especially since they played it when I saw them live. It has some great drum work and riffing throughout, and a killer bass insert at around 2:38 which jumps back into the main riff. After that is 'Lying and Weak' which starts with a killer thrash riff that should haven't of been deviated from. The song finishes out strong though.

Now, I could go on about the rest of the songs, but that is the biggest flaw of the album. A lot of the album's songs, if not all, sound a lot alike. This, however, can go two ways because 1) the songs contain excellent musicianship and are quite catchy, but 2) no one ever wants to listen to the same song over and over again. Also, towards the end of the album the songs seem to drag on bit and though I love Decapitated and greatly respect them, I sometimes find myself wanting the songs to be over.

Don't get me wrong however, this album is a fun listen and all of the songs are a hoot live, but sometimes it can become redundant. I find myself swaying back and forth with this album between great and just good. After further listening, it sways towards good for now. Maybe sometime in the future I will rediscover what I once felt in this album. I am still impressed by the technical ability of men so young and enjoy listening to it.