Metal Underground.com

Back with a new full-length after the release of 2012’s “Diatribe,” the one-man project Common Dead has refined and progressed its sound on latest album “Allegorize.” The thrashy, groove-based heaviness from earlier works is still present and easily recognizable, but there are some changes in pacing and style this time around that offer a more well-rounded feel and keep interest running higher throughout the entire disc.

Much like “Diatribe,” these nine tracks are guitar-focused and energetic exercises in metal that lean towards the melodic and groovy side. While the guitars are heavy and frequently distorted, this isn’t an extreme death metal release, as the bulk of the vocals are a harsh yell that can actually be followed along with and there’s a strong bass presence throughout. As a change-up from the last album, there is a bit of actual screaming from time to time on this outing, along with some fun gang shouts on “Venture in Blood.”

While sticking with an overall base thrash-rooted sound, the song structures are varied and each track successfully stands out from the rest. “Outer Harbor,” for instance, has more of a sad feel than the energetic surrounding tracks, and there are even some minor synths to be found in songs like “Caustica” and “Venture in Blood.”

Although not as all-around of a polished release as you might hear from a full band with label backing, “Allegorize” still stacks up well among the plethora of underground and solo acts out there. The various social issues covered in the album, such as the culture of gun violence and glorifying villains in America, are relevant and likely to resonate with fans of this style of metal. In short – give the little guy a chance, because you might just find yourself headbanging along and eager to hear more.