First off, I was tempted to not give this compilation 5-star because "Kill The Christian" is missing. Other reviewers have stated this, but I feel this defines Deicide, and they could have taken off "Standing In The Flames", which is from the horrible "Insineratehymn". But, whatever. To start off a Deicide review, I have to defend them. Glenn Benton's religious views are a little out of wack, as we should say, and he is obsessed with hating Christians and is also obsessed with Jesus Christ's death. His hating Christians lyrics are somewhat immature later in Deicide's career (Bible Basher is a perfect example; sounds like a six year old could write that). That is a reason why I prefer the self-titled and "Legion" over anything else, but hey, they are still a good band.

So, we get Jesus freaks coming over here saying how "God is great" and "Benton is an idiot", but religion is religion, and if you hate Christians, (like every black metal band and other death metal bands), so be it. I can defend Deicide because in America we have the First Amendment, and I personally can't stand Jesus freaks. You can prove a Christian wrong, but you can't prove an Atheist or non-Christian wrong. So, lay off Deicide, because they could be like Mayhem and burning churches and killing people. The worst Glenn Benton did was burn an upside-down cross in his head, which is wrong, but cool nonetheless.

As for the music...Not many death metal listeners like Deicide because they are apparently the "thorn in the side, along with Cannibal Corpse". I think that is stupid. Deicide is brutal, with two talented guitarists, an above average drummer and then there was Glenn Benton's musical ability. If there was a death metal all-star team, Benton would be up there for his vocals. They are sick. First, there is his growl, which can only be bettered by, maybe, Lord Worm or Corpsegrinder. Then he gives that high-pitched growl, which when it is dubbed, sounds like a demon has come from Hell to consume you all. He is one of death metal's best vocalists. And his bass playing is average if even that, but whatever, because his vocals and lyrics wash away his bass playing abilities.

The Hoffman brothers are also very talented. They can riff at lightning fast speed (check out "Satan Spawn, The Caco-Daemon") and then kick back into a nice solo. They solo often, especially in the earlier discs, and usually there is more then one in each song. I think in their self-titled, there were about 19. But, anyways, they are brutal, not over technical but still good enough not to be considered talentless. The drummer is good, and the double pedal bass is used a lot. Blastbeats are common as in all death metal, but the ability that shines about him is his ability with the double pedal. That along with Glenn Benton's descent bass and hellish vocals gives Deicide a unique, brutal and overall sick feel to them. But, sadly, the Hoffman brothers are gone, but Jack Owen of Cannibal Corpse is here, so that is good!

The compilation kicks off with the legendary "Dead By Dawn". Obviously, Glenn is a huge Evil Dead series fan, and I can't blame him. The song is a death metal classic, and a fan favorite. Next is "Carnage In The Temple Of The Damned", a song about the Jim Jones massacre. Another classic tune from the self-titled. "Lunatic Of God's Creation", justifying the Charlie Manson murders, is another death metal classic and fan-favorite. "Sacrificial Suicide" and "Crucifixation" follow, all classics from the self-titled. The 5 Legion songs are next, with the brutal "Satan Spawn, The Caco-Daemon" coming at track 6. This is my favorite for its overall brutality. I also like "In Hell I Burn" and "Dead But Dreaming", all sick songs. Even "Trifixiation" is good!

The next 10 songs are the weaker points on the album, which is the weaker part of Deicide's career. Of course, the "Once Upon The Cross" songs are good, but when they get to the Serpents and the In Torment In Hell songs, they are average. Not bad, but cannot match up to the self-titled, Legion and Once Upon The Cross years. Even so, there are standouts, like "When Satan Rules His World", "Bastard Of Christ", "Blame It On God" and "Bible Basher". I like some of these, but they still should have put "Kill The Christian" on. So, if you want some great, old-school Florida scene death metal, pick up this great compilation. Then, pick up Deicide's self-titled and Legion. Then, pick up their peers from Florida, like Morbid Angel and Obituary. Death metal is one of the best genres, because it is talented musicians playing at ultra-fast speeds proving they beat up anything, and these pioneers from Florida proved that they can make death metal a household name.

This is a great place to start your Deicide collection, and it serves as a marvelous introduction to death metal. Fans of bands similar to Deicide (Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse, etc.) should already be aware of this hellaciously omnipotent beast, though if you haven't heard Deicide it is a must that you purchase this album, or one of their others. For already established fans of the genre it would be wise to purchase a "real" album, I recommend "Self-Titled", "Legion", or "Insineratehym", though any of their releases will do fine, as Deicide have quite an exceptional catalogue. Though this album is definitely a more than sufficient example of their work, and starting here, being a death metal fan or not, is certainly not a bad thing.

If you have an interest in hearing some severely extreme music, or are curious about the often misunderstood and misrepresented genre of death metal, Deicide's "Best Of" is probably the perfect album to begin with. You'll definitely want to hear this album all the way through, especially upon first listen. The muscianship is as prodigious as their deliverance. Solos and rhythm are brilliantly interwoven here, in a way bands seldom accomplish so affectively. Strength is molded with speed in a remarkably profound musical attack. Though Deicide are definitely not the most multifarious band in terms of styles, they certainly do not claim to be, nor do they have any intent to abandon their brutally intense genre. So rarely will you find a band so dedicated to any specific sound, that Deicide's devotion to their style is one of the most attractive and unique aspects of their music. Unequaled and unbeatable, the vicious strength and loyalty of this band will forever make them the ultimate example of death metal.

This is another great Deicide album to add to my Deicide collection. I bought this in the fall of 2003. This is not another studio album but this is accually a compliation album of the very best songs from Deicide. So this album pretty much traces the band's entire career while during the Roadrunner years. A lot of the hits and classics from just about all their albums are here. The only problem is that there are only 2 songs from Insineratehym and none from In Torment In Hell. Despite those album not being the best albums that the band has ever put out in people's mind, I personally think those albums are great anyway. Gettting back to this album, this pretty much is a collection of Deicide hits and classics and it's something that true Deicide die-hards like myself would like to own. It's also something for those who want to get a first impression of the band. Definitely worth buying.

This band needs no introduction. Being one of florida's death metal forefathers. This compilation is good enough for starters. It contains all the notable songs. Dead By Dawn, Trifixion, I can go on and on with this. But if I were you and you're getting into death metal, especially with Deicide. This is a great buy.

And who the hell says a woman can't listen to this kind of music?

I listen to Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, etc. so why not Deicide?? Huh?

Believe it or not, I am new to death metal and one would think I wouldn't be the kind to listen to it...but that would be wrong.

As a strong hater of God and religion, this band Deicide was perfect for me! I LOVE this kind of music now and enjoy this band!

Yes, this is f***king brutal, blasphemous, killing-like and extremely abrasive hits-you-in-the-face music! Extremely satanic, which I enjoy hearing!

If you're someone who hates religion, God and the Church, get this CD!!! I guarantee you it will be very therapeutic!

F***, I LOVE it!!!

Hell, this music has changed my life!

Now I am going to buy more Deicide music! Damn, I've never been happier when it comes to listening to music lol.

I love their band name, DEICIDE!!! This music satisfies my hatred lol.

This music is NOT for religious people, weak people or those who "love Jesus". One listen to this could actually kill them, it's soooo brutal and violent!

And since I am a true beginner to death metal, sorry, it didn't kill me...this music rather comforted me.

I don't care what other reviewers think about what I wrote either!

Yes, I became a fan of this band in less than 30 days!

Love the lyrics, fast speed, heaviness and screams! Talk about heaven lol

Goddamn it, BUY IT!!!

Or do you fear the evil and darkness of hell?!