Review by Carl on November 10, 2024.

Looks like the art of the concept album has not died out, because the latest full-length by Fulci revolves around "The Ripper of New York", a movie directed by the legendary Lucio Fulci. Yeah, I know, who else could it have been, right?

Fulci (the band) has put in the effort here, that's for sure. In between the death metal tracks, we find snippets and sound samples from the Fulci (the director) movie, together with soundtrack-like keyboard pieces, providing a kind of narrative throughout, and despite my aversion for these types of shenanigans, I have to admit that it works like a charm here, something that can also be said of the other surprise moves on this album. Well, for the most part, that is, but I'll get back to that a bit further on.

In style, Fulci (the band again) takes a lot of influence from the early works of both Cannibal Corpse and Bolt Thrower, creating a maybe not that original but indeed very enjoyable slice of death metal. You probably know the drill here, a rough and deep purulent grunt, downtuned riffing, and varied songs incorporating both grinding velocity and midtempo stomp. This solid concoction gets further fleshed out by guitar licks and short almost melodies, providing the sturdy death metal on offer with clarity, as well as the necessary hooks. Despite the brutal death metal tag the band has, their music borrows a lot of elements from old-school sources, giving the overall sound a very familiar and pretty natural feel. And that's a feeling that I can definitely appreciate. Even the somewhat hardcore-ish parts that occasionally pop up don't feel all that out of place. It's as if 90's Merauder decided to go death metal, which sounds pretty cool to me, honestly. That these parts aren't all that prevalent on the album also helps, of course.

Earlier I already made some mention of something that really didn't sit well with me, and that is the fact that in the track 'Knife' we get a rapper presented. Yes, a rapper. I'll admit that this is a very unexpected move, and a very ballsy one as well, but I really do not care for it. Call me an elitist or a gatekeeper, but rappers in death metal, that's a no-no in my book. It gives me far too many nightmare visions of wiggers going around in baggy pants spewing ill-advised slang all the time. Fulci (the band again again) are from Italy, what use do they have for rappers? Good thing it's just this one instance because I'm still reeling from first hearing it.

Duck Face Killings is a solid death metal album, barring some lesser moments here and there. The music kicks ass, the playing is top notch and the production adds the necessary power to the mix. The electronic interludes and sound snippets don't feel like padding, but provide a sort of narrative to proceedings instead, completing the atmosphere the band is aiming at. Hell, even that Kenny G saxophone in the album closer sounds awesome, adding an old-school film noir detective vibe to it.

Fulci (the band again again again) can be proud of their effort. Only next time, leave the rapper at home, please. Thanks in advance.

Rating: 8 out of 10