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Judging by the music on Terraphobic, the band chose the name well, although they could just as easily have called it "Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea." Bombworks Records presents this latest effort from America's Dagon. Some fear of dry land seems to have inspired Dagon this time around and if you have any interest in feeling the aura of the ocean, Terraphobic is for you. This is modern Melodic Death Metal with a new take on an old style.

Dagon arose in 2004, assaulting the metal world with melodic, heavy Death Metal. They, at times, sound a bit Gothenburg, nevertheless you can pick out the American nu-school groove influences as well. Dagon is also unafraid to display solos and rhythms with a Heavy Metal influence. The solos are beauties, played in just the right spots.

Terraphobic, rising from the abyss, could justifiably be called Ocean Metal. Whether it is drowning, swimming, being cast about by a raging storm or being attacked by a sea monster, Dagon keep to the maritime theme. The entire release, right down to the artwork, speaks of water and the open ocean. The phenomenon is incredible.

Dagon employ two, complementary, vocalists, the first a high pitched screamer and the second a low toned, brutal demon. The vocalists also handle bass and drums. A growling drummer is pretty cool, indeed.

There are relatively few deficiencies on Terraphobic. The production is perfectly suited for the album, and while not every song is a winner, this is clearly the band's best work to date. If you are in to Death Metal, with melody, try experiencing the extreme Ocean Metal of Terraphobic, just try to avoid sinking down too low in the endless waters.