2007-01-09
Wow, this is one strange Mf, I mean, I can't really put this veteran band into one specific genre. They use some death metal riffs, growled vocals, thrashier riffs, doom metal imagery and lyrics, you get the drift, this is…different.
The band started out in Germany in 1990, and has since released 5 albums prior to this one, I didn’t get a chance to listen to them, but if this is an example, their past material should prove to be quite challenging stuff indeed.
Opener "Fireship" already takes things to a new and unique place in metal, while the riffs are strong, full of groove and quite thrashy, the vocals are death metal growls, the lyrics are quite depressive, and deeper than most death metal topics, it's good, but as I said, it's just different. The sound, by the way, is very good; it's clear and meaty, though it feels a bit stripped down, like a product of the 90's.
Where the band takes an even different turn, is in the acoustic passages, such as in "Destroy Your Life", while most bands would opt for clean, Goth vocals for such music, these guys keep the death growls with the acoustic segments. I can't say if I like it or not, but as most of the album, it's quite unique.
Some bits reminded me of late period
Gorefest, such as the strong "Black", quite simplistic riffs, but bearing a strong groove, and sitting in well with the deep vocals.
I have to give another extra mention to the lyrics, they really are good. The band does not limit itself to the restraints of the metallic genres, with themes like death or depression, the lyrics are more varied, they feel more personal, and therefore – more truthful.
I can't really say if this is for death metal fans, doomsters, or thrashers, it has some for everyone, while not exactly fitting for any of these, this is a high quality release, but for adventuress metallers out there.
Alon Miasnikov
