METAL SIDE WEBZINE – REVIEWS – JANUARY 2004
Absolom
“Demo
2003”
Michigan’s
band doesn’t follow the currently dominant trends. It
plays death/thrash metal that has more in common with the styles popular in the
late 80’s and early 90’s. If Absolom used ideas
formulated a decade ago by Immolation or Suffocation, it would be one of the countless
followers. However, Absolom has chosen yet another
way. In my opinion, their style is similar to old Sindrome
and Fatal’s (from EP “Somber Evocation of Nihilism”)
recordings although I wouldn’t quarrel that these
comparisons are the best possible way to describe Absolom’s
music. “Demo 2003” is straightforward material, rather fast although without
ultra fast drumming that is typical for, let’s say,
Hate Eternal or Krisiun. The slower parts are heavy
and well placed. The riffing is solid. Absolom doesn’t try to use hundreds different ideas and maybe this
is the reason why the music on the demo is very coherent. The compositions have
rather simple structures. Some listeners will say that it is a failure, and for
the others it will be an advantage. Definitely, the band’s advantage is the
fact that it sounds originally. I like also deep, well-modulated vocals. The
technical skills of Absolom’s members are good that’s why they have everything what is necessary to record an
interesting debut full-length album. www.absolom.net
Agony
Divine
“Tomorrow
Never Comes”
Demo
2003
Mid-paced
thrash/death metal from North Carolina
is not easy to describe. Most of the albums and demos one can easily classify
comparing them to other materials. Agony Divine plays originally therefore the
reviewer, at least I can speak for myself, cannot simply say that they are like
Morbid Angel, The Haunted or whatever. On the other hand, Agony Divine hasn’t invented the wheel. Their style has the roots, in my
opinion, in death/thrash metal from late 80’s and early 90’s. I wouldn’t compare them to the most influential school of Florida’s
brutal metal for Agony Divine is not fast enough to justify such comparison. Anyway,
three compositions are interesting enough to call my attention because of good
tempo and solid riffing. I listen to them when I need a break from listening
very brutal and fast projects that dominate the scene nowadays. www.agonydivine.com
Cea Serin
“The
Surface of All Things”
Self-released
2002
Cea Serin doesn’t play death or thrash metal but such good projects
must have their place in Metal Side. It’s one of the best US
progressive metal bands that’s why I’m very surprised
that it waited so long for recording deal. Cea Serin’s music is very technical, original and catchy. The
complicated track-structures will please fans who like complex materials that don’t repeat traditional metal scheme: verse-refrain-verse-refrain-solo-verse
refrain. This scheme isn’t bad but it would be boring
if all bands used it. Of course, Cea Serin’s music isn’t an obvious
choice for brutal death metal fan. It’s too soft to
call his attention. However, if you like good heavy metal, no matter if it is
death metal, thrash metal or metal-core, Cea Serin will be a very interesting band for you. For
progressive metal fans, it is a must. [email protected]
Cirrhosis
“Demo
2003”
Pennsylvania’s
quintet plays fast and brutal death metal. When I was thinking what to write in
this review, I didn’t have any immediate comparisons
that could describe the band’s style. That’s a problem
for reviewer, but it means as well that Cirrhosis recorded quite original
material. It’s interesting because they haven’t
invented the new style but I can’t say that Cirrhosis is similar to Hate
Eternal, Suffocation or Cannibal Corpse what frequent comparison is when I
review other demos. Using some basic tools from death metal arsenal, Cirrhosis
composed solid material. Tracks have simple structures but brutal riffs make
them interesting, at least for me. Listening to them, I am not impressed but I don’t get bored as well. If the production was better, my
opinion would be even more positive, but I keep repeating that when I listen to
demo, it’s not a problem. The music itself is always
most important. The track-structures are a bit chaotic sometimes, but for it’s fast music, the frequent tempo changes fit here. www.cirrhosisdomain.com
Council
of the Fallen
"Deciphering
The Soul"
Season
of Mist, 2004
When
Council of the Fallen released their debut album, "Revealing
Damnation", death metal fans knew that this really
talented band could very easily become one of the scene's leaders if it
had good promotion. The promotion wasn't bad, but not
strong enough to exert such impact as Council of the Fallen deserved. That's why South Carolina's
band had to wait a few months to sign a new deal when they ended cooperation
with Martyr Music Group. However, the band didn't wait
inactively for an agreement with another record label, but worked on new
material and entered Mana Studios in Tampa, FL and recorded 9
new tracks. The recording crew was very good using Shawn Ohtani
as engineer and being mixed and mastered by Eric Rutan. This means
that the production is very solid. D. Roddy who
recorded drums on the debut CD couldn't work with COT,
but the replacement was well-chosen in session drummer Tim Yeung
(Agiel, Hate Eternal, Decrepit Birth). The line-up has changed, but the music
remains crushing. "Deciphering The Soul" is proof of the band's high
quality and the continuation of the debut album with some small improvements
and new details that make the band's style more diverse. Frankly, one of these
additions is rather controversial for COTF in the use
of clean vocals. It's far from death metal orthodoxy,
but fortunately clean singing appears only twice and doesn't last long. A few
seconds that don't fit the brutal music - that's all.
The rest shows no mercy. Once again, COT plays very fast and violent death
metal with some black metal influences. These influences are more audible than
on the previous CD as the riffing is a bit more melodic. Great guitar harmonies
and precise drumming will please fans of more technical playing, while the
brutality of the material will satisfy fans who want to hear something really devastating. COTF knows
when to speed up and when to stop. If melodic riffs were used too frequently,
"Deciphering The Soul" would sound much
worse but in the current form it sounds great. COTF
has found a balance of catchiness and brutality. Such a good band had to find a
good label and a deal with Season of Mist isn't a
surprise. www.councilofthefallen.com
Crucifire
“Unblessed
Unto Hatred”
Demo,
2003
I
liked Australia’s scene when bands like Abramelin, Manticore, Disembowelment or Misery ruled it but it was in
the mid and late 90’s. In the new century, our century, it hasn’t
been as active and interesting as earlier, at least in my opinion. Bands like Crucifire force me to think that maybe my point of view is
false. Born from the ashes of Encabulos, it plays
pure brutal death metal influenced by Incantation, Immolation, Centurion, Krisiun and Vital Remains so most prominent bands of the
90’s. Debut demo material crushes and destroys so if you like dark, demonic and
hateful music, “Unblessed Unto Hatred” is a material
for you. Worshipping the traditions of the darkest forms of death metal, these Australia’s
musicians have managed to create own sound that is evil and barbaric. The ompositions are simple but their schemes emphasize what is
most essential in the band’s music: brutality. I am glad that Crucifire hasn’t decided to use a
popular formula of songwriting of never-ending tempo changes which are
currently a trademark of many death metal bands. “Unblessed Unto
Hatred” is straightforward material and such track-structures fit perfectly
brutal riffs and vocals. If Australia
has more such bands to offer I have to redefine my
theory about the scene from there.
Deadspeak
“My
Blood Is The Seed Of The Beast”
“The
Adversary EP”
Self-released
2002, 2003
Deadspeak comes from Wyoming
but for its residence is Cheyenne, very natural are its connections with Colorado’s
scene. Dave Otero recorded Deadspeak’s materials in Denver, in Hellion
Studios. He is probably most popular death metal producer in that area.
Listening to Deadspeak’s albums, one can understand
why so many bands want to work with him. Good production is definitely Deadspeak’s advantage. “My Blood Is The
Seed Of The Beast” has many elements typical for melodic death metal
inspired by Scandinavian scene. However, also brutality of US
death metal is well audible for Deadspeak hasn’t followed the way which has been chosen by Colorado’s
Throcult and Serberus, and
on “My Blood…” melodic riffs and vocals are mixed with much more violent
sounds. On “The Adversary EP”, the difference is even more significant. New
material introduces more brutal band’s effigy. It’s
not stylistic revolution rather natural evolution, a creative continuation of
the style from “My Blood” that simply gets more brutal on the new disc. Once
again, we hear dual vocals, but this time growls are more
effectively mixed with more melodic higher voice. There is a balance of
both styles while on “My Blood…” higher voice dominates. New tracks are faster
and more dynamic. However, I have another reason why I think that “The
Adversary” is much better album than “My Blood…”, very
prosaic reason. It simply has better compositions. Many riffs are memorable
becoming the true Deadspeak’s trademark. Although
track structures are more straightforward, tempo changes are more varied and
effective. I hear the progression analyzing the band’s style as a whole and I
hear progression analyzing the details. When you listen to “The Adversary”, you
are not wondering if Deadspeak is original band or
not. It’s its obvious feature. I have to praise
not only the music but very professional packaging of both albums as well.
Especially “The Adversary” is very professional release as it features
interactive multimedia section as well as three videos. www.deadspeak666.com
Digested
Flesh
“Demo
2002”
Digested
Flesh’s members played earlier in Catorsion that was
death-core project. Their new compositions have nothing in common with the old
style. Now they play brutal death metal. When I listen to Digested Flesh’s
demo, I hear old NY’s death metal school. The good comparison for NJ’s band is
for instance Embryonic Death that was pretty popular
in the underground a decade ago. Digested Flesh plays fast and doesn’t use anything what could be called ‘catchy’. It
composed very brutal riffs only for brutal death metal fans. Also deep vocals
will frighten listeners who haven’t used to typical
NY’s brutality. I’ve been listening to NY’s brutal
death metal for 15 years so I don’t have such problems and I like this demo
although I would be pleased if it had better sound. The production of the debut
full-length should be more professional so I expect a solid, brutal release. www.digestedflesh.com
Enamored
“A
Stolen Season”
Self-released,
2002
I
keep repeating it but it’s the truth that US melodic death metal bands that try
to use European formulas shouldn’t do that for their efforts are often
miserable. There are the exceptions, however. Enamored is one of them, but to
some degree only. The full-length CD of Pennsylvania’s band isn’t
bad, but on the other hand I wouldn’t call it a very good album. It will please
many fans of slow death/doom metal with melodic riffing but if you want to hear
brutal music, this is not a project for you. I like some riffs when the band
tries to play complex, long instrumental parts, but I would criticize the
track-structures. For the compositions are long, they should be more diverse.
When Enamored adds a bit faster drumming it’s a good
way to diversify the material. Unfortunately, these parts are too rare. Another
problem is the lack of the second guitar. There are riffs that would sound much
heavier and more interesting if they were played by
guitar duo. The third problem is the production. My complaint is very typical:
the sound should be heavier. The fourth problem is connected
with the vocals. It’s my personal taste, but I think
that Enamored’s tracks would be better if the vocals
were deeper. A deep voice is in the use, but it’s only
the addition while screaming, more black metal-oriented vocals dominate. Anyway,
if you like such vocals, you won’t share my opinion.
If you want to know which of the US death/doom metal bands a good comparison is,
I think that I should mention Ohio’s Sanctorum. www.enamored.tk
Enders
Game
“Game
Over”
Self-released,
2003
Enders
Game’s music is an interesting mixture of thrash and death metal. The opening
riffs remind me of Atheist’s “Unquestionable Presence”. This comparison isn’t very adequate to analyze the next compositions but
it’s one of the best comparisons I can find for this original material. Other
comparisons that come to my mind are equally loose. I will mention for instance
Sadus, but I’m sure that you
still don’t know what Enders Game plays. Such varied comparisons may be even misleading.
In such situation, it’s better to say that Atlanta’s
band has simply many original ideas that make “Game Over” unique metal fusion.
Enders Game’s advantage is songwriting for the tracks have interesting, compact
structures. Because of them as well as memorable riffs, Enders Game’s music is pretty catchy, not being too soft and too commercial. The
fans of technical metal will appreciate the skills of the band’s members. The
vocals are clean but aggressive enough for thrash/death metal standard. http://www.endersgametheband.com
Envy
the Dead
“Demo
2002”
Formed
by ex-Enmortem’s Tom Flanagan, Envy the Dead is one
of the most talented and interesting death metal bands from Illinois. Its music
has a bit in common with Enmortem’s style, although
Envy the Dead’s demo material from 2002 is more
brutal than Enmortem’s demos. Envy the Dead reminds
me of another great Illinois’ act, Corpsevomit. The
intelligent songwriting, a very good balance of complexity and brutality, is a
common feature of these bands. Continuing the list of good comparisons, I would
add Vital Remains for Envy the Dead’s music is not
only brutal but also dark. In spite of these comparisons, Envy the Dead is
original band. It plays traditional death metal, not infected by modern trends.
Very good material and one of the best demos of 2002. www.envythedead.com
Everbleeding
“Everbleeding 2”
Demo
2003
Georgia’s
band is young and talented. They deserve to gain recognition
on a large scale as their music is interesting, well composed and played with
conviction. One can call Everbleeding’s style
death-core. Brutal vocals are essential death metal element. In one of the tracks you will hear clean singing but fortunately these few
words don’t soften the material. Deep, aggressive voice fits perfectly to
riffing. Compositions are mid-paced with occasional blast beats. They are first of all intense and aggressive. It can be interesting
material for fans of Burnt by the Sun and Mastodom,
so the bands that blend hard-core, metal-core, death metal and other styles,
creating heavy and violent metal fusion. Everbleeding
is a good choice also for fans of NY’s death metal, represented by Internal
Bleeding and Pyrexia. The good thing is that Everbleeding
has fresh ideas and knows how to blend different influences. If their music was one-sided, it wouldn’t be so interesting. Many ideas
surprise for they are unique and unexpected when you listen to this demo first
time. Everbleeding’s music quickly transforms from rhythmic,
heavy into fast and a bit chaotic when we hear even jazz influences, but
intensity is still the same. I am very curious how the band will progress on
the future materials. I would be glad if they didn’t
change the style but simply tried to improve it, making it even more intense
and violent. No matter what they will do in the future, “Demo 2003” will remain
the proof that they have big talent. www.everbleeding.com
Exodus
“Tempo
of the Damned”
Nuclear
Blast records, 2004
Exodus
is back! If you didn’t believe, now you have the
proof, the best proof the band could give us. After twelve years of silence it
recorded the new album and what is most important it’s
very good release. Sometimes comebacks are completely unsuccessful. When
legendary bands play repetitive music, copying own ideas or following the current
trends, it kills their legend. That’s why all such comebacks
are always risky. Exodus is one of these bands that didn’t
disappoint their fans. It can also gain new hordes of metal heads who don’t know old albums (shame on you!), but will be listening
to the new one. Nuclear Blast’s promotion is a powerful weapon. Exodus plays
simply what Exodus should play: precise, aggressive thrash. It is their style
and they haven’t changed it. If you liked “Impact Is
Imminent” (1990) or “Pleasures Of The Flesh” (1987),
the new album won’t surprise you but you should dig it. It’s not impressive
comeback but good enough to say that it was worth the risk. Only two things
have surprised me. Steve Souza’s vocals are very similar to Bob “Blitz”
Ellsworth’s voice as it used to be… in the mid 80’s. I know that Souza and
Blitz have always represented similar school of thrash metal singing, but this
time the similarity is very significant. At least few my friends who have
already listened to “Tempo of the Damned” share my opinion. The second surprise
is the fact that Exodus recorded aggressive material (remember that we speak
about thrash metal standards, not death metal). I expected something more
polished and softer. I don’t regret that I was wrong.
Funeral
Age
“Fistful
of Christ”
Self-released,
2003
Funeral
Age is the new incarnation of Suicide Culture, Washington's
death/thrash metal band that released a self-titled CD and EP entitled
"Hallowed be thy Agony”. The new band and the new style are impressive.
"Fistful of Christ" is one of the best albums of the year
and its incredible mastery will shock many death metal fans. This is very
violent music, based on murderous riffs and fast, devastating drumming.
Stylistic connections with legends of US death metal such like Morbid
Angel and Immolation are not very big, but the strength of the material
is comparable. In Metal Side's interview with Kevin L. Bedra, he said that he was much more interested in European
scene. I think, however, that Funeral Age's is still closer to US
styles than European death metal. I hear some Scandinavian influences as
Funeral Age's impetus is comparable to impetus of Entombed's
"Left Hand Path", but Washington's trio composed too
crushing songs to treat it as a new version of old masters of the
genre. Another great element of Funeral Age's style are
the vocals. The band uses two voices and both are exceptionally good.
One of them is influenced by Glen Benton's
demonic growls and its modulation is fantastic. With such vocals, such
riffs, such drumming and such compositions, "Fistful of Christ"
was destined to crush. And it crushes totally. www.FuneralAge.4t.com
Grotesqueuphoria
“Conquered
by Corruption”
Destro Records, 2003
For
I liked Grotesqueuphoria’s debut album, “Euphoric
Discordance”, I waited for their new release impatiently. NY’s band didn’t disappoint me. “Conquered by Corruption” is very
solid and interesting album recorded by the musicians, who have own vision how
to play death metal. This vision isn’t unique but Grotesqueuphoria has original sound and original ideas, and
that’s enough to appreciate the talent of the quartet. Debut album was influenced by Suffocation and Immolation. On the new
album, Suffocation’s influence is stronger, at least in my opinion. “Pierced
from Within” and “Breeding the Spawn” are the best
comparisons for Grotesqueuphoria’s style. It’s NY’s brutal death metal with many interesting tempo
changes and deep vocals. From time to time, Grotesqueuphoria
slows down and these parts are the element that definitely differs
Grotesqueuphoria from Suffocation. Good solos are
always the interesting additions for they are played
with conviction. The original sound will have some opponents for it’s not clear, but it’s good choice for the band’s style. www.grotesqueuphoria.com
Hacksaw
to the Throat
“Tear
My Eyes Out…”
Self-released,
2003
Hacksaw
to the Throat blends brutal US
death metal and melodic death/black, which is trademark of Scandinavian scene. It’s popular combination but for many bands it’s nail in the
coffin. They don’t know what they really want to play
and their fusion of popular styles is boring and repetitive. The most
disastrous is the blend with dominant Scandinavian influences, usually too
melodic and too trendy. But don’t think that this
introduction is to prepare you for really bad review. On the contrary, I want
to express my very positive opinion about “Tear My Eyes Out…”.
For I am very critical reviewing bands that blend US brutality and Scandinavian
death/black, I have to underline that Hacksaw to the Throat is ten times better
than most acts that try to use this formula. California’s
quartet doesn’t repeat the worst mistake of many
American artists. Although Hacksaw to the Throat writes melodic riffs, it makes
the brutality to be the core of “Tear My Eyes Out”. I don’t
suggest that Hacksaw to the Throat is equally brutal as, let’s say, Suffocation
or Incantation. It’s another kind of brutality, closer
to Impaled, Exhumed and All Shall Perish. Especially the last of these bands is
a good comparison what doesn’t change the fact that
Hacksaw to the Throat has original ideas. Some parts of “Tear My Eyes Out” are really impressive when we hear fast drumming and aggressive
riffs. In addition, many tempo changes make the material very interesting.
Tracks like “My Eyes Open”, “Decayed”, “Consumed in
Nothing” or “Fall” prove that we speak about very talented band. There are
ideas, which I don’t like so much, but their role is
not significant, for example black metal vocals mixed with clean guitars in
“Dilated”. Vocals are dual but it could be surprising in the mid 80’s before
Carcass era. Currently the blend of growls and high shrieks is very popular. On
“Tear My Eyes Out”, it’s well adapted. At last, it has
to be said that Hacksaw to the Throat’s members are very good musicians. You
will appreciate their professionalism. http://www.hacksawtothethroat.com/
Manticore
“Ritual
Cleansing of the Whore”
Merciless
Records, 2002
“Bowels
of the Holy Anoint Us In Hell”
War
Hammer Records, 2003
In
the 90’s death metal fans liked Australia’s
Manticore but since this band disappeared many years
ago, Ohio’s Manticore won’t have any problems with
recognition. Besides, the styles of these bands are very different and it helps
to avoid any confusions. Ohio’s Manticore is one of the best US
death/black metal bands. Black metal elements aren’t
very important when we analyze the musical side of the project. Their role is
more significant in a lyrical content. Musically, Manticore
has the roots in the traditions of Incantation and Blasphemy. It’s brutal and dark music, not as heavy as Incantation and
not as chaotic as Blasphemy, but definitely if you like these bands, you will
like Manticore too. However, I wouldn’t
call Manticore one of the best US
death/black metal bands if its music was limited to ideas of other artists. Ohio’s trio has
original style. Like many bands from that state, it worships death/black metal
tradition but creates it as well. Both band’s releases are very good, but very
promising is the fact that newer album, “Bowels of the Holy Anoint Us In Hell” a bit better. “Ritual Cleansing of the Whore” has
heavier sound, and compositions on that album are more straightforward and
faster, but “Bowels…” has incredible, blasphemous and dark strength. That makes
Manticore truly unique band.
Mausoleum
“Cadaveric Displays of Ghoulish Ghastliness”
Razorback
Records, 2003
The
musicians who formed Mausoleum played in Incantation, Necrotomie
and Morpheus Descends. Everyone knows Incantation so
it is a great recommendation. The true death metal fans should hear also three
crushing Morpheus Descends albums. Only Necrotomie is relatively less known, but it was important
band for local underground scene. If such matured and talented musicians have
gathered to play death metal, the result must be impressive. Mausoleum
continues Autopsy’s style. Similarity is obvious, also if we take into
consideration the fact that Mausoleum’s drummer is at the same time the band’s
vocalist. For Autopsy had an influence on hundreds death metal bands, including
the most prominent representatives of the first wave of the Swedish scene
(Entombed, Dismember, Grave) and countless US artists, Mausoleum’s decision to
follow that way of death metal isn’t unique. On the other hand, although so
many bands try to use Autopsy’s patterns, only few of them are as successful as
Mausoleum. Why is Mausoleum so successful? First of all,
because Pennsylvania’s band is not Autopsy’s close. On “Cadaveric
Displays of Ghoulish Ghastliness” you will hear enough
fresh ideas to have a respect for band’s songwriting. Some Autopsy’s elements
are used but in creative way. The second Mausoleum’s advantage is their honesty.
They don’t pretend to be the most original band on
Earth what is so often motive when I read the interviews with many other bands.
Mausoleum’s members say that Autopsy is an important influence for them. They
recorded a cover of Autopsy’s compositions that ends “Cadaveric
Displays of Ghoulish Ghastliness”. Autopsy isn’t the
only good comparison to describe Mausoleum. If you heard Morpheus
Descends’ “Chronicles...”, you should expect the same
dark atmosphere and heaviness. The production of the album won’t
please the fanatics of modern clear sound. It’s too raw and too underground to
be accepted by the crowd of so called metal fans who have never heard even one
demo tape or album from 80’s and early 90’s. Old and true fans of death metal
as well as well-educated youth will dig such sound at once or at least will
have nothing against it. We know that Razorback releases albums influenced by
old Carcass. This time we hear resurrection and continuation of another
brilliant death metal school from the past. If you worship the traditions of
such great bands like Autopsy, Necrotion, Goreaphobia, Rottrevore, Morpheus Descends, or if you simply like pure death metal,
Mausoleum has come to crush your ears. www.hornedmoon.com
Metal
Militia
“Perpetual
State of Aggression”
2003
If
you want to hear young and very talented thrash metal band, try to find Florida’s
Metal Militia. You shouldn’t be disappointed. Frankly,
I needed about ten seconds to like Metal Militia as the opening riffs of
“Darkest Days” are well-chosen introduction for thrash metal album. Of course,
first impressions are sometimes misleading but not this time. The band’s name
suggests connections with old Metallica’s style. To
some degree, this comparison is justified although Metal Militia has more to
offer. Metallica is one of the strongest influences
but, in my opinion, the elements of Slayer’s style are equally well audible and
in few tracks even dominant. Add Evil Dead, Exodus and even Demolition Hammer
(vocals), and you will know the core of Metal Militia’s music although Slayer
and Metallica are best comparisons. Metal Militia
does a lot not to copy legends from the past but to continue their styles
creatively. They know very well that thrash metal has to be aggressive and
technical music and that both sides are equally important. The title of the
album is really adequate. The riffs and drumming are
fast to mid-paced. Guitar work is precise and varied; you will hear crazy solos
that are trademark of thrash metal guitarists from the past. I appreciate Metal
Militia’s skills not only taking into consideration the age of the musicians.
They can compete even with very experienced instrumentalists although they
still can learn a lot and I am sure that they keep trying to improve their
music. In my opinion, these ten tracks will make Metal Militia a popular band,
at least for true thrash metal fans. Thrash metal will survive if such bands
exist. www.metalmilitia.cc
Mutilated
Agony
"Demo
2003"
This
is the second Mutilated Agony's demo, which we review. The progression is
undeniable. Duo from Las Vegas still plays death metal in the vein of early
Malevolent Creation and Cannibal Corpse, but they have more fresh ideas now and
compose better tracks. These tracks are first of all
fast and brutal, but mid-paced parts, added from time to time, diversify them.
The level of diversity isn’t impressive yet, but
definitely the band goes in the right direction. On the other hand, the best
are fast parts of the demo so I don’t expect the
balance of mid-paced and fast riffing and drumming. I demand more parts that
are fast in the future. Comparing to the previous material, technical skills of
the musicians are a bit improved. However, they still have to work hard to make
their more music more attractive if we analyze the technical level. They need
second guitar as well for sometimes the sound is much too weak. This duo is a
creation of young musicians so they have time to improve everything.
Nothing
Remains
“Manipulating
Manslaughter”
Self-released,
2002
From
Northern Texas comes the band that currently plays a leading role only for a
local scene, but having better promotion, Nothing Remains could in my opinion
become an important band for many death metal fans worldwide. “Manipulating
Manslaughter” is Nothing Remains’ second EP/CD – the first one was called “Mass Epitaph”. Aggressive and fast riffing as
well as precise and devastating drumming remind of Malevolent Creation’s
materials. It is very intense, straightforward music. When Nothing Remains
slows down, these parts are very heavy. Brutal vocals strengthen murderous
character of the material. Comparison to Malevolent Creation is important in
the band’s description but Nothing Remains has no problem with identity because
of original ideas that make “Manipulating Manslaughter” a good proposal for
fans who don’t accept the clones. Impetus of this
music is sometimes amazing. Nothing Remains is
preparing the new release, “Tomorrow’s Catastrophe”. Will this title be a
prophecy of the band’s future? Definitely not; Nothing
Remains should rather be tomorrow’s sensation in the underground. Good
promotion is the only thing this band needs now as their music has enough
advantages to impress many death metal fans. www.nothingremains.com
Porphyria
“Demo
2003”
You
should know that there is also Michigan’s
Porphyria but it plays metal-core. Porphyria that I am reviewing here comes from New Hampshire
so it represents New England’s death metal scene. It’s side-project of Born
into Chaos’ founder and member, Shawn Mc Donald. As Porphyria
plays Cannibal Corpse’s cover, “Gallery of Suicide”, it’s
obvious that famous quintet is an important influence for Porphyria’s
members. Definitely, it’s audible also in Porphyria’s original compositions. I don’t
criticize such attitude. First of all, Porphyria is not a clone although is not very original
either. It’s solid band that has enough ideas to call
death metal fan’s attention. It plays brutal and fast music, well structured
although rather simple if we analyze track-structures. For Porphyria’s
style is above all brutal, it doesn’t need very long
and very complicated songs to express its basic strength. If the comparison to
Cannibal Corpse is to help us to describe Porphyria,
I will remind that also Cannibal Corpse’s compositions
are straightforward and at the same time very effective. Going the same way, Porphyria has chosen right one. Its material needs some
improvements but not big changes. There are some elements that make the demo
more varied such like melodic solo in “Frailties of Humanity” but it’s only an addition to the brutal core of Porphyria’s music.
Serpens Aeon
“Dawn
of Kouatl”
Moribund
Records, 2003
Serpens Aeon’s
bassist and guitarist were The Chasm’s members. Band’s drummer, Matt Cason,
played in Drawn & Quartered. Taking into consideration these experiences,
this trio was destined to record as brilliant album as “Dawn of Kouatl” that is simply one of the best album of the year. Serpens Aeon recorded absolutely
crushing and murderous material. Memorable and original riffs are band’s
trademark. It is the old death metal school that has
the roots in the traditions of Immolation and Slayer. One can hear sounds
closer to old Scandinavian style as well. Serpens Aeon recorded Grave’s cover and this means how important
these influences are for Seattle’s
trio. Grave’s members should be pleased that their song has such impressive new
version. Every composition on “Dawn of Kouatl” is outstanding.
Serpens Aeon recorded the
death metal masterpiece. www.serpensaeon.com
Severed
Remains
“A
Display of Those Defiled”
Comatose
Music, 2003
I
heard Severed Remains demo materials and I must confess that I didn’t expect that this band would record so good debut
album. I did believe in their talent but I thought that their first full-length
CD would be solid, and nothing more. First of all, I
was worried about the production as the sound of the demos was terrible.
Fortunately, Severed Remains entered a good studio and I don’t
have any reasons to complain this time. The band’s songwriting has been
improved, having become really very good. The new compositions are fast and
very brutal, with good tempo changes. Severed Remains recorded “Liege of
Inveracity”, taken from Suffocation’s “Effigy of the Forgotten” CD, and this
explains what inspires Ohio’s band. Severed
Remains riffing is drastic and it really reminds of old Suffocation’s school. “A
Display of Those Defiled” is the album also for fans of Severe Torture or Fleshgrind. One can hear sometimes more melodic riffs but
they don’t change the brutal effigy of the band. A bit
controversial is the decision to present on the album recordings from Severed
Remains demo. Their quality doesn’t express the true
band’s value. On the other hand, everyone will hear what Severed Remains really
represents listening to the first half of the disc. www.comatosemusic.com
Shallow
Grace
“Criminal
God”
Self-released,
2002
Although
this album was released a year ago, still many heavy metal fans don’t know anything about this Texan band. If you like
brutal music, you should be worried that you haven’t
heard it yet, but if you dig metal-core, thrash-core or nu-metal,
“Criminal God” would be an interesting album for you. I will explain at once
that all these labels like thrash or nu-metal may be
misleading if you want to know what Shallow Grave plays. First
of all, someone should define what nu-metal
really is. It’s my intuition that there are readers
who would call “Criminal God” a nu-metal album, but I
would argue with them. Some a little bit rap-oriented vocals are the only
reason why I use in this review this awful label – nu-metal.
On the other hand, Shallow Grave’s vocals remind me rather of old California’s
trash-core scene, first of all Suicidal Tendencies. To
make everything more complex or unclear, I will say as well that sometimes
Shallow Grave uses vocals that are almost death metal-oriented. The music
itself is rhythmic and intense. It needs some fast parts, added at least from
time to time, and I regret that Shallow Grave hasn’t
decided to have a bit faster drumming. The band’s members are definitely
talented instrumentalists and the production of the album is very good, that’s why the professionalism of the release is
unquestionable no matter what you think about the band’s style. www.shallowgrave1.com
Skullpl8
“Planet
Hell”
Self-released,
2003
Oklahoma’s
trio doesn’t disappoint the fans of the debut album,
“Standing in Blood”. The band’s style hasn’t changed
but all important elements have been improved, that’s why a good band has
become a very good one. Skullpl8 plays now more dynamic and faster. The opening
track reminds me of Morbid Angel’s “Covenant” because of the intensity although
Skullpl8 doesn’t use fastest tempos that are Morbid
Angel and Pete Sandoval’s trademark. The other compositions are less violent
but comparing them to the debut CD, this more brutal direction is well audible.
Their originality is unquestionable what the best proof is how good the
songwriting of the Oklahoma’s
trio is. Once again, Skullpl8 has very varied vocals, but this time clean,
heavy metal voice is only the addition, interesting one, while brutal voices
dominate. This band deserves a good promotion and your interest. www.skullpl8.com
The
Nightmare Continues
“Demo”
Maybe
it’s coincidence but I have never heard a bad death
metal band from Rhode Island. The Nightmare Continues continues that
tradition. It plays very brutal and raw music, which is for the most part fast
but from time to time also slow and dark. When The Nightmare Continues slows
down, it reminds me of Disembowelment, so one of the heaviest bands of the
90’s. The dominant fast parts are closer to Incantation or Necrotion
(forgotten band from early 90’s). Original ideas make Rhode Island’s
band creative continuators of one of the most influential and impressive death
metal styles. When I hear tracks like “Hierarchal Coalition”, “The Hopes and
Dreams of the American Undead” or “The Sexual Act of War” I am really impressed. The rest is very good too. The band adds
sometimes a bit more melodic riffs but brutality in the crushing form dominates
here. The production of the demo is typical for underground. I like the raw
sound as it reminds me of many great demo materials I was listening to a decade
ago, but for there are people who accept only clear and modern sound, I want to
warn these malcontents. Many fans of brutal, violent and dark death/grind will
like The Nightmare Continues as strong as I do. [email protected]
Unmerciful
“Demo
2003”
Being
very talented band, Unmerciful shouldn’t wait too long
for signing a recording deal. Of course, we witness sometimes the blindness and
deafness of heavy metal business and even such interesting band like Unmerciful
may have problems to call record label’s attention, but I believe that they
will get a chance soon. The band from Kansas is too talented to ignore it. Unmerciful’s style is close to Hate Eternal, Origin and
Vile, so the bands that play very fast and technical death metal. By the way,
one of Origin’s members, Clint Applehanz, is Unmerciful’s
guitarist what is a very good recommendation. The comparisons to other bands
may suggest that Unmerciful uses old formulas how to play death metal and to
some degree such opinion is justified. On the other hand, having adopted one of
the popular death metal styles, these talented musicians don’t
try to copy other bands, but to use their ideas creatively. How successful
their efforts are, we can hear on “Demo 2003”. It’s obvious
choice for summary of the year in the category: the best demo materials. http://www.rockkansas.com/unmerciful/
P.S. I’d like to thank Scott Alisoglu – this review wouldn’t be
possible without his help. Check out his great articles on US heavy metal scene at www.Live4Metal.com
Wehrwolfe
“Godless
We Stand”
Magick Records, 2003
According
to the promotional materials of their label, Wehrwolfe
manipulates and mutates the standards of black metal. I completely disagree.
This is not black metal album. You won’t hear
screaming vocals and melodic riffing that are so typical for the current black
metal scene. Instead of them, you will get brutal, death metal vocals and
shredding death and thrash metal riffs. I’m not disappointed
that label’s announcement is to some degree misleading. I’m
glad that the true Wehrwolfe’s effigy is completely
different. In the same promotional materials, Wehrwolfe
is called the ultimate war machine and in this case, I
do agree with such description. “Godless We Stand” is murderous material, one
of the best albums of the year, although 2003 is
really a great year for death metal scene and rivalry is incredible. Wehrwolfe needed only a year to record such brilliant
material for it was formed in early 2002. The band’s
members are not, however, the newcomers. Three of them played in Darkmoon. They found great vocalist, Nathan Ellis, who has
talent to become one of the best death metal front men as his voice is created to unleash the hell. Wehrwolfe’s
compositions are very violent and dynamic. The band plays some a bit softer parts
with melodic riffing but almost the entire album represents the brutal
standards of US death metal scene. When I think
how to describe the band’s style, first of all Florida’s death metal school comes to
my mind. Wehrwolfe has a lot in common with Morbid
Angel and Monstrosity as well as almost forgotten bands such as Burial and
Eulogy that existed in the early 90’s. It’s great,
brutal, technical and fast death metal. Also European
influences are sometimes audible when we hear melodic riffing but I wouldn’t
say that they are very important for the band’s style. Of course, that’s my subjective point of view. No matter what the
strongest inspiration is for Wehrwolfe’s members,
they have created own, brilliant style that makes their project one of the best
US extreme metal bands.
www.geocities.com/deathmetalside/mainpage6.html