Doctrine

The new album starts with something that sounds like a sacred sermon. In just a few seconds the mood changes, from holy to hellish. It sets the tone for the rest of the album. Although Doctrine is not a concept album in a traditional sense, the songs are tied together thematically. The lyrics deal with the various ways humanity often suffers under the burden of religion, doctrines and politics. I always put a lot of effort in the lyrics, says Patrick Mameli. I never felt the need to write so called gore lyrics, like so many other bands do. I am aware of what is going on in the world and I have a feeling that I have something to say about it.

The curse of religious and political oppression is a theme that fits the music perfectly. Doctrine is by far the most extreme album the Dutch death metal band Pestilence unleashed to its worldwide fan base. The album proves at the same time that even after 25 years the band is still willing to take chances. It offers throughout provoking lyrics, dissonant chords, complex rhythm patterns and an assault of low tuned monster riffs. Intensity is they key word. Like is always has been.

Doctrine marks also a partly new line up that is entirely Dutch again. Jeroen Paul Thesseling was already around during the Spheres days. The latest addition is 23 year old drummer Yuma van Eekelen, who is also making his name as a member of The New Dominion. It was partly out of idealism that I returned in 2008 with an international line up, recalls Patrick Mameli. It was a great experience, but it was very hard to really work together due to the distance and time. For instance, we never had the possibility to practice on a regular basis. We do now. We exchange ideas, go out together and tell each other which cool albums to check out. Just like in the old tape trader days. It s great. Pestilence finally feels like a real band again.