Hailing from Germany, the debut album from these death metallers is
actually quite solid. Now the death metal that these guys produce isn't the
kind that you'd expect from many of the cemetery slabs I've reviewed here on a
day to day basis, but rather feels a bit more modern and technical, which might
make some of you stop reading this review already and that's fine. But what I
think really matters here is Adam Jarvis (Pig Destroyer, Misery Index) on the
kit, and the extremely technical riff-matter crafted by either Deha (Black Sin,
Clouds, Sources Of I, We All Die Laughing – remember that one?) Bjorn Koppler
(Maladie) or Kevin Olasz (Aardvarks, Deadborn, Maladie... the Aardvarks are
still relevant? That Conglomerate compilation was great, I thought.) In any
case, one of these three men is responsible for such awesomeness and it
certainly beefs up what can be rather chunky at times. Vince Matthews (ex-Dying
Fetus, ex-Criminal Element, ex-Biovore, all great death acts) sounds like he's
on a high fiber diet, as a large amount of grunt and groan mixtures vomit out,
while familiar death metal (and this is the only real thing about the band that
remains classic) riffing and drum pummeling erupts from the kit. The disc is
very fast paced, but it feels almost as if a little more work is needed as
Matthews' approach sometimes seems a bit heavy handed. That being noted, the
amount of solos utilized on the record stands as a strong point, and keeps the
material from becoming entirely bland, which it can do every now and again.
When I listen to an act like this, I feel like they're not completely at
their prime with this approach and perhaps it will sound a bit more composed
next time. At any case, I couldn't turn it down because the disc is real
fucking pummeler and definitely will get you pumped for some heavy lifting. As
we can see, there are a lot of great musicians here with a very stable that
contains a great deal of potential. I just need to hear a little bit more
before I can really call it grandeur. Much as I like this, it's no Dying Fetus,
Criminal Element, Pig Destroyer or Aardvarks (yes, I really do like those
Aardvarks) and therefore doesn't really stand out as a superior project to any
of the acts that these guys have already been in, or are still playing in.
That's not to say it's bad, because these guys are more or less just going out
there and having a great time playing some really gurgly death metal stuff (but
not gurgly enough, if you ask me) that I'm sure fans of their other acts will
enjoy. I've just heard a bit better, and feel that much of the problem might
even be in Matthews' vocal approach, which seems to weaken the whole
performance for me. Give it a listen and see what you think, as it's not all
that long and offers just enough for the time allotted.
(11 Tracks, 36:00)
7/10
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