review by: Roberto Martinelli

Dare I press play? What might Dying Fetus have become? It seemed the downward spiral that the band was going down would ruin it for good. It all began with the departure of bassist Jason Netherton and continued with the eventual ignominious dismissal of the rest of the crew that put together one of the finest death metal records EVER, Destroy the Opposition. Things seemed to reach their lowest when witnessing Dying Fetus, reduced to having one guitarist, play a shoddy set at Wacken 2002.

But after having listened to Stop at Nothing (and also sampling the rather forgettable Misery Index, made up of the Dying Fetus cast offs), it turns out that all Dying Fetus really needs is guitarist John Gallagher. We probably should have more faith in him. After all, he formed the band and writes the bulk of the music. Seeing he used to also be the drummer way back when, it seems reasonable that he could just kick everyone else out and go it alone.

Stop at Nothing is nearly better than Destroy the Opposition. It’s more or less the same album: the same amount of tracks, the same running time... Except what hooks and signatures that were so great before have been improved on. There are some fantastic swarming riffs and wonderfully placed and executed solos. As always, Gallagher’s sense of using riffs and rhythmic choices to give each track memorability is excellent. Gallagher’s vocals are still largely comical, but undeniably recognizable.

Certainly the new supporting cast is an worthy bunch, but could you honestly expect anyone to fill drummer Kevin Talley’s shoes? Were he in any other band, new man Erik Sayenga’s performance would go without any criticism. However, Sayenga isn’t as fluid or smooth as Talley, and because of this, the album isn’t quite what it could be had egos been put given a secondary importance to the good of the music. Regardless, you’ve got a wholehearted Maelstrom “ok” to go out and spend your money on this worthy record. Dig it. (9.1/10)