It is pretty possible that you have never heard of this 'band' especially if you are a European metalhead. First of all, the quotes added in the term 'band' are due to the fact that DETHKLOK's lineup does not comprise living humans. This is a cartoon Tv series that goes under the name Metalocalypse and was created by Brendon Small and is broadcasted by [Adult Swim]. The first season of this series was that a success that convinced Brendon to release an album with DETHKLOK's music and get on the road into a very successful tour. So, following the release of the second season DETHKLOK are back with Dethalbum II and have already planned another North American tour.
DETHKLOK's debut album was close to the Tv series with plenty of Brendon's killer humor upon all the Metal cliches we all love. It was not an actual album but a soundtrack to all the cool-as-hell activities of Nathan Explosion's company. And this is the difference in Dethalbum II; it sounds more like a product of a regular band even if the only human members are Brendon and Gene Hoglan who is there to torture his drum-kit. It seems that the time on the road gave DETHKLOK flesh and blood in the mind of Brendon who has extended his composing skills. The main subject is still modern Death Metal but the songs are even more based to the excellent guitars. Brendon is an amazing guitar player and is obviously influenced by Chuck Schuldiner's work in the latest DEATH albums. The songs sound more aggressive and 'serious' in a way that can stand without the support of the Tv show. I mean Bloodlines is a killer track with massive sound and solid rhythm section. Ok, the production is over-digitized for my taste and Nathan's vocals live through the heavy distortion but these are the things the listener has to compromise with. The Gears is another fine example of how DETHKLOK have 'matured' pounding strong with almost Black Metal blastbeats, shredding riffs and multiple Death growls. The discreet presence of some keyboards arrangements add some depth to songs and make a connection with the cartoon underlining the digital aspect of DETHKLOK's existence. Just listen to the neck breaking Laser Canon Deth Sentence and try not to bang your head against the cult lyrics Die, I am a rocket, a roman candle a fucking missile on my way to hell.
I know that this review will 'face' many raised eyebrows since it is about a Tv product and generally has nothing to do with the living entity of Metal music. But, you should give it a chance since it is pretty solid as an album and is a product of hard work from a person who learned to love this music and actually is living through it getting his music on the road. At least you can respect DETHKLOK' cool looks and even more cool and definitely Metal deeds on the show. So, don't be shy and become a true Dethfan...