Six Feet Under a fascinating band. For over thirty years they've been releasing albums, touring, and keeping their name in the minds of metal fans the world over. It's all the more interesting that they're considered to be both death metal legends, and a walking meme (or growling meme, if you prefer.) With many jokes made at their expense, particularly vocalist Chris Barnes, it's a wonder that they've lasted so long, put out so many releases, and remain with one of metal's most revered record labels. This year they released their fifteenth full length album, "Next To Die," and it was as good an opportunity as any to find out what keeps bringing people back.

The album opens with "Approach Your Grave," and straight away it feels like the listener is in for all the usual Six Feet Under talking points. The vocals are uninteresting, the song itself is dull, and being one of the longest songs on offer, one wonders why this was chosen to kick off the album. Almost immediately, one can't help but notice the production, which leaves a lot to be desired. The drums - in particular the snare - sound really off, not just on "Approach Your Grave," but throughout the album. A very bland opener which may lead people to think that they're in for the worst.

Indeed, I was tempted to turn "Next To Die" off straight away and leave it there, but the following track, "Destroyed Remains" is much better. It's not mind blowing, but there's some life to it and it's here that the guitar work of Jack Owen and Ray Suhy shines through, and they remain consistently good for the rest of the album. My interest was retained further with "Mister Blood And Guts," albeit for differing reasons. The thrash metal influence can be heard here and it makes for a pretty fun song, while on the other hand the vocal delivery made me think of Krusty The Clown's "Mount Splashmore" song, complete with the harlequin's tantrum-like arm movements.

Stick around and you'll find more to enjoy here, with my personal favourite being "Grasped From Beyond," which taps into the death 'n roll sound Six Feet Under have utilised over the years and simply must be including in the setlist for any upcoming tours, because it's guaranteed to get people moving. Elsewhere, "Mutilated Corpse In The Woods" has a really good rhythm and features one of Barnes' best performances on the record. In addition to these highlights, there are some songs that don't quite fulfill their potential, in part, or perhaps mostly, due to the vocal delivery, but are still worth a listen, such as "Wrath And Terror Takes Command" and "Skin Coffins," the latter of which possesses a hardcore vibe.

However, if you're one of those people who hate-listens to Six Feet Under, you'll be happy to hear that there are more gripes in store. As mentioned, the production is so underwhelming, that it feels more like listening to a promising band's demo, rather than the fifteenth outing of new material from seasoned veterans. Not only this, but there a number of songs that fade from memory as soon as they've finished, including the title track, "Mind Hell," and "Naked And Dismembered," the last of which does possess some cool guitar work, but that's about it. The album opened with a wet fart and finishes with one too, as "Ill Wishes" initially intrigues the listener with melodies, then confuses them with whispered death growls, before turning into another bang average Six Feet Under track, before stopping as suddenly as the Sopranos finale.

Say what you want about Six Feet Under (because I know you're going to either way), but all things considered, there's more to like than dislike on "Next To Die." Sure, it's not a classic and it won't go down as one of the best death metal albums of the year, but graded on a curve, it's a decent Six Feet Under record. Barnes' former Cannibal Corpse bandmate Jack Owen still has plenty of chops and Ray Suhy is just as good, showcasing their talents on pretty much every song. I would urge people not to write Six Feet Under off yet, as "Next To Die" isn't without charm, though the old problems are still present. The problem with the group is that its driving force is also its greatest weakness, but look beyond the old memes and tropes and you'll find a record that may surprise you, if only a little.