Decayed Existence is a band with over 30 years' worth of history. Originally forming in 1991 as a traditional, non-Christian death metal act, time and line-up changes would inevitably lead to the band becoming faith-based, using their music to spread the Word of God. And now, six years after their last release, Eulogy, Decayed Existence is back once again with The Beginning of Sorrows.

In 2024, Decayed Existence's style is typically referred to as "old school death metal." It makes sense, considering that it's reminiscent of what bands like Mortification, Death, and Sepultura were doing in the '90s. If you're longing for that sort of thing, The Beginning of Sorrows is quite capable of scratching that itch. One listen to the relentless "Escape the Dead" or the riff-heavy title track ought to be enough to prove that. However, the album also sounds like a 2020s album, with excellent production that lends itself a little more to modern heavy music. It's like getting the best of both worlds. It's a classic sound, but a little easier on the ears. Even the live tracks at the end sound more current, although the production value is a little grittier (and the songs are arguably heavier). It works well, though, and they make me want to catch the band live, if the opportunity arises (especially the hard-hitting "Detonation").

As with a lot of Christian death metal, Decayed Existence is more bold and outspoken about their faith than much of what exists on Christian radio. And they go a step further by not just talking about the love of Jesus, but also about the dangers of sin. "Baptized" addresses our need to crucify our flesh and be saved from ourselves: "Food for the soul is like poison to the flesh / repent of your sins, all that you have transgressed / we the last generation, the ones that live in sin … in Jesus' name, the old has been slain / baptized in the blood and you are born again." The band refuses to shy away from the truth of Christ, and that results in the message being as heavy as the music. "Beheading the Colossus" also calls to repentance, encouraging the listener to kill the "colossus" of a lying, sinful world that keeps us from entering God's Kingdom, and "Escape the Dead" exalts the Holy Ghost and how He enables the Church to wake up and find everlasting life by faith through grace. It's a message that is always timely and is meant for both the world and the Church.

As I said before, The Beginning of Sorrows will definitely satisfy those who long for the death metal of days past. But I can also see it appealing to fans of modern deathcore and metalcore, as well. I had no experience with Decayed Existence prior to this album, and old school death metal tends to fall a bit outside of my wheelhouse, but this was enough to make me a fan. Heavy music fans should definitely take a chance on this one.

- Review date: 10/3/24, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com

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