Reviewed by Trevor Fitzgerald

'Paranomal Ichthyology' is the first full length offering from a Michigan death metal band and contains 11 songs (nine brand new and two which have been re-recorded from their independently released EP 'Secrets Of The Deep'). Dagon's sound has been compared to the combination of Slayer's intense riffing and Iron Maiden's harmonising dual guitars. Such comparisons pretty well nail the band's sound. The vocals are shared between bass player Randall Ladiski's deep death metal growl and drummer Jordan Batterbee's higher metalcore hollering. The best song on the album for me is "Pirate Hunter". It has a great hook (no pun intended) in the second half of the chorus which really draws you back for repeat listens. Add to that solid solos, intense riffs and the consistently tight and driving rhythm section and you have a great song. I do however feel that some of the more melodic songs would have benefited from cleaner, less aggressive vocals, but overall this album has many good ideas and tight musicianship. Fans of Slayer and Iron Maiden or thrash and death metal in general should check out this promising release.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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