The Number of the Beak (2015) - HATEBEAK

 

Released on June 26, 2015, The Number of the Beak is the debut full-length album by Hatebeak, a death metal band with one of the most unique frontmen in the genre—a parrot named Waldo. Yes, you read that correctly. Blending traditional death metal elements with the squawking, screeching, and vocal stylings of Waldo, the album is as much a tongue-in-cheek satire as it is a genuinely crushing slab of extreme music.

Tracklist:

1. The Thing That Should Not Beak
2. Beak of Putrefaction
3. Hellbent for Feathers
4. Seven Perches
5. Roost in Peace
6. Bird Bites, Dog Cries
7. Pecking Crew
8. Peck to the Future
9. Feral Parrot
10. Bird Seeds of Vengeance
11. The Number of the Beak.
12. Molt Thrower
13. God of Empty Nest
14. Birdzum

The Number of the Beak is a sonic experiment that defies traditional metal conventions. With grinding guitar riffs, blistering drums, and guttural growls interspersed with Waldo's ear-piercing squawks, the album is simultaneously chaotic and cohesive.

Tracks like “The Thing That Should Not Beak” and “Beak of Putrefaction” open with intense riffing before Waldo’s inhuman squawks tear through the mix, creating a cacophony of noise that somehow works. “Hellbent for Feathers” and “Bird Seeds of Vengeance” are both hilarious nods to metal legends while delivering genuinely heavy material. The album's title track, “The Number of the Beak,” closes things out with an absurd yet undeniably catchy death metal anthem.

While the concept is undeniably humorous, Hatebeak's musicianship cannot be overlooked. The riffs are crushing, the production is surprisingly sharp, and the drumming is relentless. The juxtaposition of Waldo’s bird calls with traditional death metal elements makes for an experience that is both comedic and genuinely engaging.

The Number of the Beak is a testament to the boundless creativity within the metal community. While some might dismiss it as a gimmick, the album proves that even the most unconventional ideas can yield genuinely impressive results. Tracks like “Peck to the Future” and “Roost in Peace” are personal favorites, combining blistering heaviness with the unmistakable squawks of Waldo.

Hatebeak is a band that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but that doesn’t mean the music isn’t worth your time. Whether you’re a death metal purist or someone who loves offbeat experiments, The Number of the Beak is a must-listen for its sheer audacity and originality. It’s an album that leaves you both laughing and headbanging—a rare and welcome combination.