I first have to start of this review by saying how surprised I am how
much I have come to enjoy this album. I have always been a more
Floridian style US death metal fan. Whilst been unaware of the New York
scene for a few years I decided to check it out. I was always put off
by reputation as I heard a lot of it was to influence slam death etc.
However I barley hear it in this album which is a good thing. Along
with other such noteworthy acts as Immolation and Incantation.Morpheus Descends are a part of a pretty fucking powerful tri-force that came from that scene.
History
lesson aside this album coming in at just 32 minutes is a half hour
bludgeoning in the art of death metal. The band deliver an arsenal of
riffs over the awesome drumming of Ken Faggio. There are thrash infused
head banging moments, mid tempo crushing proto type brutal death metal
riffs and the odd slow moment on the album. The arrangements all have
enough elements to make them interesting and to keep your attention.
The production is pretty low end heavy. And loses some clarity of the
riffs, the drums kick drum is pretty loud in the mix also. The drumming
switches between stock death metal beats and some pretty inventive
ideas in terms of feeling and fills. Just listen to the off beat snare
work in the opening track. The vocals are good even if they are a bit
standard, and are just what you would expect from this scene. However
even though they are standard I just can't help loving them and I'm
sure most death metal fans will enjoy this vocal performance.
Ritual
of Infinity is a very solid and very brutal 30 minute affair. It has a
pretty good reputation with fans of this scene and I can say it is
quiet deserved. The highlights for me have to be the opening two track
onslaught of The Way of All Flesh. With a pounding brutal opening
before going in to mid tempo brutality. Corpse Under Glass with some of
the most thrashy riffs of the album on offer. Trephanation for the same
reasons, with my favourite riff on the album around the half way point
a true neck breaker. As far as getting a hard copy of this it more than
likely isn't going to happen. However thanks to file sharing we can all
listen to music that was sadly forgotten about and left behind like a
lot of good old death metal.
Ritual of Infinity holds its own
against their counterparts from the old New York scene and should be in
every death metal fan's music library.
Score 4/5
/C
Friday, 20 April 2012
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
KEEPING METAL FANS HAPPY
Can it be done? The answer is no. If you are in a band be prepared to constantly divide opinions of pretty much all of your fans. You talk to people into this genre about a band and you can say. "What do you think of the new Immolation album?" "Oh Immolation.They still exist? Dawn of Possession is the only thing. That band haven't interested me because they haven't progressed"
However lets say Immolation really did progress the conversation would go something along the lines off.
"What do you think of the new Immolation album?"
"Immolation? They should have stayed the same as they did on Dawn of Possession! That band haven't done anything interesting or death metal since then"
Yep that's pretty much how it goes. Progress and there is backlash. Stay similar and you become stagnant. This is pretty much the mind set of 80% of metal heads.
Granted there are some cases where progression is pretty a code word for selling out. A drastic change in sound from one album to another can be pretty obvious. (Metallica, Morbid Angel I'm talking about you) But you know that's acceptable to go from doing an album like Altars of Madness then whatever that piece of shit album is called. And then you have Metallica which doesn't even need to be mentioned. But look at me I am becoming what I am talking about in this little rant so lets continue.
One thing that really frustrates me as a musician is the views of some fans. For example fans of simple death and grind. Say a band started off like bashing death metal simplistic and doomy riffs. But then progress over time which is the right thing to do. Start having more complex riffs and structures and perhaps even melodic moments (Carcass). Suddenly half the fan base are like "HEY MAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING WHY U NO MAKE REEK OF PUTEFACTION VOLUME 2," However going back to the previous example. If the band had stayed the same it would be more like.
"WHATS UP WITH YOU GUYS NOW THE NEW ALBUM IS JUST STALE AND DIDN'T HAVE THE IMPACT OF THE FIRST TWO!"
Personally as a musician over time you want to make things more musically interesting for yourself over the time playing. This is the sign of a true musician and band in my opinion a one that is wanting to add new things on each album. To make each album a different listening experience. However always staying true to the sound you came from. I think the one band metal fans can unite under who did this is Death.
So what can you do to try and keep fans happy? Try and stick to the sound over time however progress in a correct manner and hope to whatever is beyond this mortal coil that your fanbase are made up of people with an IQ level of over 90.
/C
However lets say Immolation really did progress the conversation would go something along the lines off.
"What do you think of the new Immolation album?"
"Immolation? They should have stayed the same as they did on Dawn of Possession! That band haven't done anything interesting or death metal since then"
Yep that's pretty much how it goes. Progress and there is backlash. Stay similar and you become stagnant. This is pretty much the mind set of 80% of metal heads.
Granted there are some cases where progression is pretty a code word for selling out. A drastic change in sound from one album to another can be pretty obvious. (Metallica, Morbid Angel I'm talking about you) But you know that's acceptable to go from doing an album like Altars of Madness then whatever that piece of shit album is called. And then you have Metallica which doesn't even need to be mentioned. But look at me I am becoming what I am talking about in this little rant so lets continue.
One thing that really frustrates me as a musician is the views of some fans. For example fans of simple death and grind. Say a band started off like bashing death metal simplistic and doomy riffs. But then progress over time which is the right thing to do. Start having more complex riffs and structures and perhaps even melodic moments (Carcass). Suddenly half the fan base are like "HEY MAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING WHY U NO MAKE REEK OF PUTEFACTION VOLUME 2," However going back to the previous example. If the band had stayed the same it would be more like.
"WHATS UP WITH YOU GUYS NOW THE NEW ALBUM IS JUST STALE AND DIDN'T HAVE THE IMPACT OF THE FIRST TWO!"
Personally as a musician over time you want to make things more musically interesting for yourself over the time playing. This is the sign of a true musician and band in my opinion a one that is wanting to add new things on each album. To make each album a different listening experience. However always staying true to the sound you came from. I think the one band metal fans can unite under who did this is Death.
So what can you do to try and keep fans happy? Try and stick to the sound over time however progress in a correct manner and hope to whatever is beyond this mortal coil that your fanbase are made up of people with an IQ level of over 90.
/C
Monday, 13 February 2012
Random Ramblings
I woke up this morning feeling like death slightly warmed up, and as I struggled (and ultimately failed) to prevent myself hoying up, I began to consider my time spent at gigs over the last few years, and a number of common observations popped up in my mind. Thus, behold my guide to the different people that will be invariably be present at any metal gig that is fairly well attended. PS: If each description is not matched with an image of someone you know or have seen before, that person is you.
Uber Thrash Dude
Despite being only 14 years of age, this kid has fallen straight out of the 1980s Bay Area thrash scene, and carries a style, attitude and accent to match. It is vital that this character exclaims "thrash is back/thrash till death" at pre-determined intervals, is dressed in a stonewash denim vest adorned with patches of bands he has never heard and is wearing tight jeans, a bullet belt and a bandanna. Will be usually spotted outside of the actual venue attempting to drink from a beer bong and doing hilarious things like stealing police cones. Uber Thrash Dude uses words like "radical" and "dude", and does not stop headbanging when the music stops, or throwing horns for that matter.
Scene Kid Girlfriend
With hair as colourful as an open packet of skittles, Scene Kid Girlfriend has found herself at this metal gig through no fault of her own, but has probably fairly innocently come down through devotion to her boyfriend (the one with the snakebites and expanders) or general friendship group. She will have amusing words or slogans written on her hands in permanent marker like "fuck", "<3" or "hey" and will most likely jump around to the music. Fair enough.
Tough Guy Pit Dominator
He's come for one reason and one reason only, to be the king of the pit, the lord of the mosh, and the god of the grind. Freakishly tall with beer muscles, Tough Guy Pit Dominator jumps into the pit, elbows raised, with the intention of knocking out as many kids as possible. A ridiculous beard is a must along with a shaved head, long camouflage shorts, a vest with "Machine Fucking Head" (or another suitably macho slogan) etched into the back, tribal tattoos and ear expanders. Remembers, he's hard, so avoid like the plague.
Hipster Shortcake
A disease that has been savagely attacking the black metal scene (amongst others) in recent years, metal hipsters are there at the gig for the purposes of musical research, experiencing alternative culture and feeling the "emotion" behind those melancholic guitar harmonies. The Hipster Shortcake (not sure why I added Shortcake into the fray) will be situated towards the back of the hall or at the bar with a growing number of friends, all equally dressed in checky shirts and thick rimmed spectacles. Beards are a necessity, as is a pervading sense of self importance. Bands that meet the approval of the Hipster Shortcake may receive a quiet clap if he is feeling like contributing to the ambient vibes.
Necrochild
The tales of a traumatic upbringing are scrawled onto his face as he enters the hall in isolation, dealing with the rough hand that life has dealt him. An undecipherable long sleeve band shirt caresses his unhealthily skinny frame, and long black greasy hair, loosely tied into a pony tail, hangs over his leather overcoat. Necrochild hates humanity, but is studying an astrophysics degree. University life has not been kind to Necrochild, so he finds cold solace in depressive suicidal black metal and hard drugs.
Professional Sound Analyst
Could be anyone, image is not important, but there always seems to be that one person who finds everything and anything possible to complain about wrong with the sound of professional bands who have been touring for 20+ years. "The bass was too loud" was it? "The vocals were slightly distorted" were they? "There should have been more clarity on the lead tones" should there? Please leave.
A special mention must go to the Man Who Has Just Come Back From Work, and is enjoying himself like the best of them in a suit, with short hair, after a long day of hard graft. Not a negative comment to be made here, this is a person deserving of respect. You know they have seen and done it all, and are showing tremendous levels of ticker to be attending gigs at such inconvenience when the local kids are sitting on Skyrim instead.
So, there we gan.
/L
Sunday, 18 December 2011
FMC Luke's top 5 of 2011
2011 has been a great year for me, as I feel that I have accomplished a lot personally, Newcastle have been playing well, and I have had some generally great experiences. In terms of what the metal world has offered however, there has certainly been a mixed bag cast forward by bands the world over, something most spectacularly seen in Morbid Angel's latest album "Illud Divinum Insanus", that should have seen them sectioned at best and executed at worst. Nevertheless, there have been some quality offerings this year, and my top 5 list is home to just a small number of them.
5. Burzum - Fallen
With this album, which sees the infamous Varg Vikernes adopt clean vocals alongside his usual screeching, the listener is tormented by an unusual mix and a concoction of ferocious, discordant melody, all part of the appeal of Burzum. "Fallen" sees Burzum offer up some much needed freshness into the world of atmospheric black metal, and Varg's capacity to constantly push his own boundaries in certainly to be admired.
4. Dark Forest - Dawn of Infinity
An intense whirlwind of traditional heavy metal and folk awaits those who choose to dance the waltz of Dark Forest's latest offering "Dawn of Infinity". Melodic harmonies provide catchy hook lines, and perhaps the best example of this is found in the truly anthemic "Under the Greenwood Tree", which features a rousing chorus and the kind of riffing that would easily have Manowar and Ensiferum fans jigging in unison.
3. Anaal Nathrakh - Passion
Ridiculously hysterical to some, and crushingly brutal to others, Anaal Nathrakh are a band that make no concessions in their approach to extreme metal. "Passion" draws influence from grind and blackened metal styles to leave the listener feeling violated in a pool of savage extremity and vile rage.
2. Autopsy - Macabre Eternal
Back with their first full length since reforming, Autopsy are doing what they do best with this gallery of diverse, yet always reassuring old school, death metal. The vocals and lyrics are positively repulsive, and the general sound of the band is crushing at times and ripping at others. Autopsy is a death metal beast that continues to embarrass those that have let themselves and their fans down in the most hilarious way (Morbid Angel). Kings of death metal? Autopsy, step right up!
1. Warbringer - Worlds Torn Asunder
Topping my list is the third album from American thrashers Warbringer, who have certainly cemented their place in the modern scene as a vitally important band with this release. Combining their ferocious blend of thrash with old school black metal and death metal styles has proved to be a very successful avenue for Warbringer to pursue. This album has, for me, been unmatched this year, with the addition of Carlos (drums) to the band clearly providing them with some spectacular versatility.
A special mention must also go to Metallica and Lou Reed, who have created the finest work of comedy ever to have graced these ears with "Lulu", well done lads!
It wasn't a joke!?
/L
5. Burzum - Fallen
With this album, which sees the infamous Varg Vikernes adopt clean vocals alongside his usual screeching, the listener is tormented by an unusual mix and a concoction of ferocious, discordant melody, all part of the appeal of Burzum. "Fallen" sees Burzum offer up some much needed freshness into the world of atmospheric black metal, and Varg's capacity to constantly push his own boundaries in certainly to be admired.
4. Dark Forest - Dawn of Infinity
An intense whirlwind of traditional heavy metal and folk awaits those who choose to dance the waltz of Dark Forest's latest offering "Dawn of Infinity". Melodic harmonies provide catchy hook lines, and perhaps the best example of this is found in the truly anthemic "Under the Greenwood Tree", which features a rousing chorus and the kind of riffing that would easily have Manowar and Ensiferum fans jigging in unison.
3. Anaal Nathrakh - Passion
Ridiculously hysterical to some, and crushingly brutal to others, Anaal Nathrakh are a band that make no concessions in their approach to extreme metal. "Passion" draws influence from grind and blackened metal styles to leave the listener feeling violated in a pool of savage extremity and vile rage.
2. Autopsy - Macabre Eternal
Back with their first full length since reforming, Autopsy are doing what they do best with this gallery of diverse, yet always reassuring old school, death metal. The vocals and lyrics are positively repulsive, and the general sound of the band is crushing at times and ripping at others. Autopsy is a death metal beast that continues to embarrass those that have let themselves and their fans down in the most hilarious way (Morbid Angel). Kings of death metal? Autopsy, step right up!
1. Warbringer - Worlds Torn Asunder
Topping my list is the third album from American thrashers Warbringer, who have certainly cemented their place in the modern scene as a vitally important band with this release. Combining their ferocious blend of thrash with old school black metal and death metal styles has proved to be a very successful avenue for Warbringer to pursue. This album has, for me, been unmatched this year, with the addition of Carlos (drums) to the band clearly providing them with some spectacular versatility.
A special mention must also go to Metallica and Lou Reed, who have created the finest work of comedy ever to have graced these ears with "Lulu", well done lads!
It wasn't a joke!?
/L
Pit Yakker Chuck's Top 10 of the year!
2011 was a good year for Metal, in terms of releases. Some great albums where put out by bands. However we had a few very bad disappointments. ( Morbid Angel, Queensryche etc) However the good really did outweigh the bad. Also I was very privileged to see Judas Preist on their final "Epitath" world tour. Bloodstock 2011 with its amazing line up. Seeing Coroner reunion show and Immortal first show in the uk for nine years. Looking back their was actually some really fucking cool experiences. I also saw many a local show and got involved with my local scene. Formed my own band after months of searching for members.
Right moving on from ranting on about nostalgia here is my top 10 list, I will also include personal disappointments and horrible mentions at the end.
Number 10 - Destruction Day Of Reckoning
A solid thrash album from genre legends destruction. Great technical riffs, catchy and overall just a solid album. Great production also.
Number 9 - Autopsy Macabre Eternal
Autopsy return after 15 years since their last album. Some will be thinking this is low on the list. Personally I really enjoyed this release. It sounds like the album they could have done in-between Severed Survival and Mental Funeral. Good production, great Autopsy riffs etc. However I just consider this to go on for way to long.
Number 8 - Symphony X Iconoclast
Prog power masters deliver the goods yet again. Taking the ideas and style displayed on Paradise Lost to an even further level. Much more progressive and Michael Romeo continues to show he may be the best guitar player in metal. Inspiring stuff.
Number 7 - Pagan's Mind Heavenly Exctascy
Another great prog power album this year. Pagan's Mind are one of my favourite bands and after the disappointing Gods Equation. I was sceptical of this release. Pagan's Mind proved me wrong, progressing with a much more melodic and slightly more accessible release. Riffs catchier than a common cold and the guitar leads are some of the most impressive melodic lead lines I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Pagan's Mind are back.
Number 6 - Thulcandra Under a Frozen Sun
Paying tribute to the Swedish black metal scene of the mid - late 90's. Thulcandra come more into their own on this release. But still can't help paying tribute to their obvious hero's Dissection. That's fine by me as this is my favourite style of black metal. Backed by an icy modern production and some really pulsating blackened death metal riffs. Thulcandra show great diversity with this one. Combining great riffs with epic structure. The song "Aeons of Darkness" has one of the most heavy riffs of 2011 in there. Epic.
Number 5 - Vektor Outer Isolation
Vektor blew me away with this. I was anticipating this greatly for months. I have a lot of respect for this band. One of the few progressive thrash bands around at the moment. Every thing is so unique here. The riffs, structures the solo's. Everything is mind numbing and the vocals are just some of the most insane and unique I have ever heard.
Number 4 - Havok Time Is Up
Man. I can remember first getting this, waking up on a fine morning. Sticking on the opener and getting blown away. It brought a lot of good times. Drinking beer in my garden listening to this, great memories and great times. As far as the actual music goes this is my favourite new thrash album. A one that can stand up to the classics of yesteryear and that's saying something. You can read my full review of this on here and metal archives. So I won't dive into specifics about the music with this. But this album really brought back the feeling of thrash for a while. Made me go back and listen to some classics, drink a lot of beer and shoot the shit to this album on the I-pod dock in the garden. Good times thrash.
Number 3 -Vader Welcome To The Morbid Reich
This album full on smokes. Any metal head into death and thrash should be able to realize that this is the best death metal album of 2011. A vast improvement on their last album Necropolis. Which I thought was good but some of the songs where too short and didn't have the room enough to be epic riff fests, which the songs had the potential to be. The production is as strong as ever, a pulsating guitar tone. Intense high speed blasts. Fast thrash breaks, brutal mid paced riffs. The addition of the new guitar player "Spider" brought a fresh feeling to the band, with his brilliant riffs and leads. This is the one of the best modern day death metal albums.
Number 2 - Power Quest Blood Alliance
Wow. This is what I have been listening to whilst doing this list. Possibly the only British power metal album that can stand up to euro power metal. I did a full review of this so if you want you can check that out on here and metal archives. This really quiet special and one that brings a good feeling when I listen to it. I watched these play Bloodstock 2011, they played 5 songs of it and it was amazing. One of the most professional bands I have ever watched. This album has accompanied me on a lot of good times this year. I listened to it mostly in the summer which is the best time to listen to power metal in my opinion (happy times) Just pure magic.
Number 1 - Obscura Omnivium
This was the album I anticipated the most this year and did this band deliver the goods. From the opening notes of the first track you know your in for an intense experience. This is how modern Technical/Progressive Death Metal albums should be done. Every time you go back and listen you hear something new. Just fucking amazing.
Honourable Mentions.
Stratovarius, Jag Panzer, Warbringer, Hate Eternal, Pestilence, Blut Aus Nord (777 Sects), Fleshgod Apocalypse, Dream Theater, Wolves in the Throne Room,
Disappointments
Anubis gate, Megadeth, Decapitated, Morbid Angel, Revocation.
/C
Right moving on from ranting on about nostalgia here is my top 10 list, I will also include personal disappointments and horrible mentions at the end.
Number 10 - Destruction Day Of Reckoning
A solid thrash album from genre legends destruction. Great technical riffs, catchy and overall just a solid album. Great production also.
Number 9 - Autopsy Macabre Eternal
Autopsy return after 15 years since their last album. Some will be thinking this is low on the list. Personally I really enjoyed this release. It sounds like the album they could have done in-between Severed Survival and Mental Funeral. Good production, great Autopsy riffs etc. However I just consider this to go on for way to long.
Number 8 - Symphony X Iconoclast
Prog power masters deliver the goods yet again. Taking the ideas and style displayed on Paradise Lost to an even further level. Much more progressive and Michael Romeo continues to show he may be the best guitar player in metal. Inspiring stuff.
Number 7 - Pagan's Mind Heavenly Exctascy
Another great prog power album this year. Pagan's Mind are one of my favourite bands and after the disappointing Gods Equation. I was sceptical of this release. Pagan's Mind proved me wrong, progressing with a much more melodic and slightly more accessible release. Riffs catchier than a common cold and the guitar leads are some of the most impressive melodic lead lines I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Pagan's Mind are back.
Number 6 - Thulcandra Under a Frozen Sun
Paying tribute to the Swedish black metal scene of the mid - late 90's. Thulcandra come more into their own on this release. But still can't help paying tribute to their obvious hero's Dissection. That's fine by me as this is my favourite style of black metal. Backed by an icy modern production and some really pulsating blackened death metal riffs. Thulcandra show great diversity with this one. Combining great riffs with epic structure. The song "Aeons of Darkness" has one of the most heavy riffs of 2011 in there. Epic.
Number 5 - Vektor Outer Isolation
Vektor blew me away with this. I was anticipating this greatly for months. I have a lot of respect for this band. One of the few progressive thrash bands around at the moment. Every thing is so unique here. The riffs, structures the solo's. Everything is mind numbing and the vocals are just some of the most insane and unique I have ever heard.
Number 4 - Havok Time Is Up
Man. I can remember first getting this, waking up on a fine morning. Sticking on the opener and getting blown away. It brought a lot of good times. Drinking beer in my garden listening to this, great memories and great times. As far as the actual music goes this is my favourite new thrash album. A one that can stand up to the classics of yesteryear and that's saying something. You can read my full review of this on here and metal archives. So I won't dive into specifics about the music with this. But this album really brought back the feeling of thrash for a while. Made me go back and listen to some classics, drink a lot of beer and shoot the shit to this album on the I-pod dock in the garden. Good times thrash.
Number 3 -Vader Welcome To The Morbid Reich
This album full on smokes. Any metal head into death and thrash should be able to realize that this is the best death metal album of 2011. A vast improvement on their last album Necropolis. Which I thought was good but some of the songs where too short and didn't have the room enough to be epic riff fests, which the songs had the potential to be. The production is as strong as ever, a pulsating guitar tone. Intense high speed blasts. Fast thrash breaks, brutal mid paced riffs. The addition of the new guitar player "Spider" brought a fresh feeling to the band, with his brilliant riffs and leads. This is the one of the best modern day death metal albums.
Number 2 - Power Quest Blood Alliance
Wow. This is what I have been listening to whilst doing this list. Possibly the only British power metal album that can stand up to euro power metal. I did a full review of this so if you want you can check that out on here and metal archives. This really quiet special and one that brings a good feeling when I listen to it. I watched these play Bloodstock 2011, they played 5 songs of it and it was amazing. One of the most professional bands I have ever watched. This album has accompanied me on a lot of good times this year. I listened to it mostly in the summer which is the best time to listen to power metal in my opinion (happy times) Just pure magic.
Number 1 - Obscura Omnivium
This was the album I anticipated the most this year and did this band deliver the goods. From the opening notes of the first track you know your in for an intense experience. This is how modern Technical/Progressive Death Metal albums should be done. Every time you go back and listen you hear something new. Just fucking amazing.
Honourable Mentions.
Stratovarius, Jag Panzer, Warbringer, Hate Eternal, Pestilence, Blut Aus Nord (777 Sects), Fleshgod Apocalypse, Dream Theater, Wolves in the Throne Room,
Disappointments
Anubis gate, Megadeth, Decapitated, Morbid Angel, Revocation.
/C
Saturday, 3 December 2011
REANIMATED CORPSES - DEATH METAL IN THE 21st CENTURY
DEATH METAL, a genre characterised by raw aggression, filth-ridden production and savage vocals that spit forth tales of murder and the occult, is one that has arguably shaped extreme music more than any other. Are we to be deceived that this dark form of art died as ear expanders came into fashion and bands started producing merchandise on lo-cut tops, the kind of which would be welcomed spectacularly in most spicy nightclubs? I for one refuse to believe that death metal collapsed with the demise of Morbid Angel after Covenant or as Deicide became absolutely ridiculous. The truth is that the underground will never die, nor does it rest, it simply waits to be found...
MISTRESS - IN DISGUST WE TRUST (2005)
/In%20Disgust%20We%20Trust/In%20Disgust%20We%20Trust.jpg)
The first of my deadly modern trio hail from Birmingham in England and are definitely a band that have escaped the radar of most death-heads the world over. The now defunct Mistress play a primitive style of death metal, a term which I use with the greatest of respect to describe their crushing variation between mid paced groove, grinding speed and sludgy doom passages. With lyrics more blue than a dead blue-tit ("Fucking Fuck" anyone?), Dave Cunt (Dave Hunt also of Benediction and Anaal Nathrakh) ferociously splutters forth venomous bile about his hatred for mankind, with equal amounts of intellect and vulgarity being present in his now iconic vocal tones. This album provides a modern take on the genre yet remains firmly rooted in the grindcore crossover style of old school bands like Repulsion, and never feels sterile as each track is diverse enough to always maintain interest. No more so is this evident than in the song "Static", which incorporates an eerily melodic and catchy chorus amongst the chaos of sickening sludge. The rumbling of the bass guitar is positively filthy and this aids the pounding groove superbly. Mistress are surely one of the forgotten gems of not only the UKDM scene, but within DM in general - Highly recommended for fans of Benediction, Repulsion, Fukpig, Iron Monkey, Entombed and Autopsy.
It is often argued that one should not judge a book by it's cover, and it seems as though this logic should also be naturally applied to albums also, but for "Stinking Up The Night" by Sweden's Death Breath (ex Entombed) an exception should surely be made. This album contains 10 perfect slices of raw, punked up and almost rocky death metal that isn't afraid to include some enticing melodies, with the opener "Death Breath" conjuring a sense of the most deathly foreboding imaginable, before a rocking riff enters the audible fray. Death Breath take no prisoners when it comes to their vicious onslaught upon the ear and journey between thrashy death metal riffage and all out crushing doom raids with ease and great success. Lyrical subjects are light hearted and a welcome relief from all of the mindless porn/gore subjects associated with the genre nowadays- who can fail to crack open a sly smile when Pehrsson screams chilling warnings to those with horrific dental hygiene, or gives a dark prophecy of the "flabby little things from beyond"? With this album's relentless musical intensity, Death Breath have created one of the most stunning releases of the 00's so far, so if bands like Possessed, Celtic Frost, Repulsion and Autopsy are your kind of thing, prepare to fully immerse yourself in this foul creation of emphatic decay and rot.
The final members of this unholy union also haunt the cold air of Sweden, but take a far more serious approach to the art of music extreme than their compatriots Death Breath. Vanhelgd have emerged from the blackened mist of ambiguity as genuine contenders in the modern scene, with their latest album "Church of Death". The vocals are hysterical, the rhythms versatile and powerful, the production is thick, and the guitar tone possesses a violent buzz in this destructive whirlwind of death, doom and blackened styles. Melancholic harmonies bind themselves to the heaviness of the thunderously held chords, and their ominous presence throughout this release marks this album out as a kind of sinister brother to more conservative death metal bands. Blistering pace gives way to crushingly slow sections, and it is precisely this depth to the release that makes it so successful. It would be easy for a band to continue to rehash the same old tried and tested formula, however well it may work (some bands have built their career on it and power to them), but this is not the way of Vanhelgd, who even go as far as to incorporate folk style influences into their work on this album - A raw attack of increasingly rare originality. Recommended for fans of Entombed, Watain, Autopsy and Unleashed, as well as anyone who likes their death metal like they like their coffee. BLACK.
MISTRESS - IN DISGUST WE TRUST (2005)
The first of my deadly modern trio hail from Birmingham in England and are definitely a band that have escaped the radar of most death-heads the world over. The now defunct Mistress play a primitive style of death metal, a term which I use with the greatest of respect to describe their crushing variation between mid paced groove, grinding speed and sludgy doom passages. With lyrics more blue than a dead blue-tit ("Fucking Fuck" anyone?), Dave Cunt (Dave Hunt also of Benediction and Anaal Nathrakh) ferociously splutters forth venomous bile about his hatred for mankind, with equal amounts of intellect and vulgarity being present in his now iconic vocal tones. This album provides a modern take on the genre yet remains firmly rooted in the grindcore crossover style of old school bands like Repulsion, and never feels sterile as each track is diverse enough to always maintain interest. No more so is this evident than in the song "Static", which incorporates an eerily melodic and catchy chorus amongst the chaos of sickening sludge. The rumbling of the bass guitar is positively filthy and this aids the pounding groove superbly. Mistress are surely one of the forgotten gems of not only the UKDM scene, but within DM in general - Highly recommended for fans of Benediction, Repulsion, Fukpig, Iron Monkey, Entombed and Autopsy.DEATH BREATH - STINKING UP THE NIGHT (2006)
It is often argued that one should not judge a book by it's cover, and it seems as though this logic should also be naturally applied to albums also, but for "Stinking Up The Night" by Sweden's Death Breath (ex Entombed) an exception should surely be made. This album contains 10 perfect slices of raw, punked up and almost rocky death metal that isn't afraid to include some enticing melodies, with the opener "Death Breath" conjuring a sense of the most deathly foreboding imaginable, before a rocking riff enters the audible fray. Death Breath take no prisoners when it comes to their vicious onslaught upon the ear and journey between thrashy death metal riffage and all out crushing doom raids with ease and great success. Lyrical subjects are light hearted and a welcome relief from all of the mindless porn/gore subjects associated with the genre nowadays- who can fail to crack open a sly smile when Pehrsson screams chilling warnings to those with horrific dental hygiene, or gives a dark prophecy of the "flabby little things from beyond"? With this album's relentless musical intensity, Death Breath have created one of the most stunning releases of the 00's so far, so if bands like Possessed, Celtic Frost, Repulsion and Autopsy are your kind of thing, prepare to fully immerse yourself in this foul creation of emphatic decay and rot.VANHELGD - CHURCH OF DEATH (2011)
The final members of this unholy union also haunt the cold air of Sweden, but take a far more serious approach to the art of music extreme than their compatriots Death Breath. Vanhelgd have emerged from the blackened mist of ambiguity as genuine contenders in the modern scene, with their latest album "Church of Death". The vocals are hysterical, the rhythms versatile and powerful, the production is thick, and the guitar tone possesses a violent buzz in this destructive whirlwind of death, doom and blackened styles. Melancholic harmonies bind themselves to the heaviness of the thunderously held chords, and their ominous presence throughout this release marks this album out as a kind of sinister brother to more conservative death metal bands. Blistering pace gives way to crushingly slow sections, and it is precisely this depth to the release that makes it so successful. It would be easy for a band to continue to rehash the same old tried and tested formula, however well it may work (some bands have built their career on it and power to them), but this is not the way of Vanhelgd, who even go as far as to incorporate folk style influences into their work on this album - A raw attack of increasingly rare originality. Recommended for fans of Entombed, Watain, Autopsy and Unleashed, as well as anyone who likes their death metal like they like their coffee. BLACK./L
Friday, 21 October 2011
REVIEW: DECEPTOR - SOOTHSAYER EP
The sound of this band is tricky to pin down, but can best be described as a blend of technical thrash, traditional heavy metal and early death metal. Throughout the recording, which is mixed exceptionally well by Mutant's Sam Klempner, the band transition between enticing melody and savage, razor-sharp rhythms to great effect, whipping up a storming aural assault that keeps the listener engaged at all times, such is the variety offered up by the trio.
Paul Fulda (who also lends his incredible bass capabilities to London thrashers Mutant) introduces the EP with an atmospheric, Maiden-esque solo opening upon the beginning of "Pilgrims of the Void", which creates a sense of futuristic dread, something that is eviscerated with the intense groove of the main riff that comes pounding out of the starting gate soon after. Oozing with technical prowess, this song impresses throughout with catchy hooks and memorable vocal lines courtesy of both Fulda and guitarist Sam Mackertich. The soaring highs present in the vocals provide a real sense of ferocity, something that is complimented by the inventive drumming of skin basher James Ashbey, who sees the journey between time signatures travelled with ease and smooth originality.
The influence of bands like Iron Maiden, Coroner and Death is evident throughout all of the tracks, and this crushing blend helps to give this EP a wide appeal, creating an electrical thunderstorm of styles. Musical dynamics are clearly a very important aspect to Deceptor's sound, as songs frantically change pace and feel in a merciless attack upon the listener, but in a way that is always coherent and never feels muddled or ambiguous.
Musically, this EP has seriously raised the bar for emerging thrash bands, due to the tight technicality offered up by this tasty trio, and they stand head and shoulders above most modern bands I have heard because of their unwillingness to conform to stale and regressive stereotypes about what thrash, or indeed heavy metal, should sound like.
With lyrical themes ranging from the navigation of nothingness in outer space to the horrors of nuclear submarine accidents in sub aquatic realms, there should be something in this diverse release to appeal to everyone. If you don't like outer space, you don't like the best of modern thrash, it is basically as simple as that!
I truly cannot recommend this EP highly enough- this band really deserve your attention as they easily decimate the majority of high flying thrash bands in today's scene, and are right up there with Mutant, for me in any case, as the best in British thrash since Sabbat; A bold statement perhaps considering that Deceptor are still unsigned, but I defy any fan of thrash metal to not be held captive under the infectious grooves that this band propel outwards of their mighty metal machine.
Support this class band, the EP is available for a fiver from the following link:
http://deceptor.bigcartel.com/product/soothsayer-e-p
For fans of- Mutant, Iron Maiden, Coroner, Death, Atheist Forbidden, Vektor and Obliveon.
5/5
/L
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)