Criminal Element - Modus Operandi
Dying Fetus get a little too Tech for you? Not enough Suffo songs about the clink? Tired of not being able to tell Misery Index albums apart? Well now there’s Criminal Element. Formed in 2001 by then-Dying Fetus members Vince Matthews and John “Sparky” Voyles, the project was brought to life in 2005 by a rounded-out lineup of Death Metal all-stars. The current incarnation of this supergroup features Derek Boyer (bass) and Terrance Hobbs (guitar) of Suffocation, Darin Morris (guitar) from Misery Index, with Matthews still doing time behind the mic. But the end result isn’t what the uninitiated might expect given the scene royalty involved. Yes, these guys shred, blast, dazzle, and obliterate on a level befitting their collective resumes, but lyrically speaking, Criminal Element keep it straight gangsta. These joints are about the streets, bitch. As if you needed to be told, songs called “Convicted,” “Habitual Offender,” “Snitch Bitch Homicide,” “Suicide by Cop,” “Future Felon,” and “Drug Lord” aren’t delving into arcane metaphysical subject matter. A concept band, if you will, and that concept consists of crime and punishment exclusively. Musically I suppose it’s a looser gig than their day jobs. Shorter songs, simpler arrangements, Punkier attitude, more pit riffs, use of samples (the LP begins with an appropriate classic from Morgan Freeman), etc. Then again, this assemblage letting their hair down is still going to dwarf most bands’ A-game. Past drummers have included Adam Jarvis (Misery Index, Pig Destroyer), Rob Maresca (ex-Pyrexia, ex-Catastrophic), and most recently Chris Mahar (ex-Wasteform), but for some reason they’ve opted for a drum machine on album #2. It’s one of the most realistically phenomenal programming jobs I’ve ever heard, but it’s still a bit of a puzzling choice. One would think with this crew, all it would take is a phone call to get a fellow big-leaguer behind the kit. Nevertheless, talk to your doctor about Criminal Element. A quick, simple dose of Ghetto Grind might be just enough to scare you straight.
Warning: Criminal Element is not for everyone. Women with a history of domestic battery, aggravated assault, or public intoxication should not listen to Criminal Element while breastfeeding. Side effects may include dry mouth, severe neck pain, loss of hearing and vision while moshing, dizziness, property damage, and gas with an oily Discharge riff. Consult their back catalogue if you experience an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.
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