Dead Cross – Dead Cross

Just noticed, mine has #93 on the back .... are they all individually numbered?

Has anyone else played this at 33 rpm? It’s a whole new beast!

Love the content of the album, but my copy was warped. The first 2 tracks on Side A were borderline unplayable. I traded it in and the other one was only slightly less warped. May be playable with a counterweight but haven't tried it yet.

My release doesn't contain a card. Anyone else having the same issue ?

Hardcore LP masters are always a mixed bag and this one is no different. Clearly the album is amazing so this review is really just an observation on the mastering for the record versus the digital as well as a review of the packaging.

The packaging for this LP is sick and well thought out. What looks like a simple hand drawn image of a skeletal christ figure turns out to be a textured glow in the dark graphic. The inside liner notes are glow in the dark as well, textured in a way where they visually look like they are floating behind the dead cross graphic art. When you first notice the illusion it's hypnotizing.

The gold vinyl record itself looks great with minimal and barely visible warping that doesn't effect the playback. There were stray vinyl shavings on the edges of the record but a quick wipe with a rag cleared them away.

Audio wise there was some slight surface noise with a whooshing sound in the right ear. Obviously none of this is audible during the gnar thrash of the songs.

Musically there is a noticeable difference between this master and the digital version with some give and take for either version. On the digital version Patton's vocals are piercing, upfront in the mix and Lombardo's drums are compressed extending no louder than Patton's vocals. On the vinyl, all the guitars and Patton's vocals sound compressed and smooshed into each other stripping the piercing highs from Patton's vocals while creating an almost flat sound. Conversely though, Lombardo's drums on the record are dynamic and big with a concussive bass punch and full dynamic range that you don't get on the digital version. Soundstage wise you hear the whole arrangement condensed and localized in one area while Lombardo's drums sort of tap dance around you and kick in your sides.

In theory, I would have wanted more wide spatial distance in the arrangement but this mix is sort of a treat in the way that it is very Lombardo centric.

Jesus Christ, what an album. I was excited when Dead Cross was announced and then when Patton ed I was filled with more anticipation. I tried to avoid the preview clips as much as possible as I always like sitting down on release day with a fresh slab of vinyl and sitting down to give it a spin or 3.
The package is top class, sleeve is of a high quality, the glow in the dark feature is a great gimmick, especially the lyrics inside the gatefold. Gold vinyl looks cool, mine has a slight warp in it, plays fine but am trying to get it changed anyway.
Onto the music. It really is top notch. Justin Pearson & Michael Crain bring the riffs and bass with great power. They provide the hardcore sound to this perfectly. Lombardo sounds like he did in 80's Slayer, tight and aggressive. Perfect.
Predictably the star of the show is Patton though. This guy is 100% the best vocalist of all time in my opinion. We all know his vocal range and the styles he can pull off with ease so I am not going to go on and on. On Dead Cross he sits in the region of his FNM classic such as Jizzlobber, Ugly in the Morning and Cukoo for Caca. He is not limited to that though. There are harmonies and much more too.

Grab a copy and go see them on tour.