Review Summary: The most intense album The Dillinger Escape Plan have made since Calculating Infinity.
One of the many things I love about The Dillinger Escape Plan is that they never fail to amaze me with each album they release, and One Of Us Is The Killer is no exception. This may very well be Dillinger's most intense album since Calculating Infinity (and it's very hard for me to say that), yet it also maintains a sense of control which was found on Ire Works and Option Paralysis. Of course the boys have also brought a few new cards to the table. Very subtle things, though, such as eerie electronic sounds, interesting piano bits and so many other tiny details that have been put into this album. Greg Puciato also uses his vocal range to full effect as well. His soothing highs and crushing hardcore vocals coincide perfectly throughout the entire album, most notably on the title track, "One Of Us Is The Killer". This is probably the most dynamic track on the album, proving that Dillinger is completely capable of writing a slower oriented song whilst making sound as crushing as possible. "Prancer", however, is the complete opposite of the title track, being that it is the most chaotic song to be found on the album, mostly due part to Puciato's excellent screams.
One thing that should be mentioned is the incredible instrumentation. Sure, every album The Dillinger Escape Plan has released has had impeccable instrumentation, but this album highlights the bands full potential. The drums, guitar, and even bass are on full force all the way through. The drumming in particular is where this album shines. Bill Rymer proves that he is more than capable of keeping up with the chaos throughout the album, seamlessly switching between off time signatures to some excellent jazz influenced fills. "Understanding Decay" is the crown jewel on this album in terms of drumming. Starting off with what seems to be a pretty some pretty simple drumming (at least when speaking about Dillinger), it quickly punches you in the face with drumming that even Chris Pennie himself would be baffled by.
The most impressive thing about "One Of Us Is The Killer" is the complete lack of filler. On most DEP albums there have been at least one or two filler songs that are more a less, forgettable. None of this is true with this album, though. Even the instrumental track "CH 375 268 277 ARS" proves to be an intense and quite frankly awesome track. Every song has something unique about it that makes this the most coherent album in the DEP discography.
There's not much more I can say about "One Of Us Is The Killer". The only thing to say is that Ben Weinman and the boys have done it again, only this time they've out done themselves. Hopefully in the future DEP can expand upon their newly found sound and make a record that might even blow this one out of the water. In short, "One Of Us Is The Killer" is DEP in their prime. Every album up to this point was just a mere sneak peak at what was to be, and what we have now. They have completely out done themselves in every way possible.
