Demoraliser: A Living Nightmare

Here's a strong debut release that listeners simply need to hear. Demoraliser has been around for a while and some readers probably even own some of the early EPs. I haven't followed Demoraliser closely, but I'm certainly going to keep track of them in the future. I'm confident that they already have a substantial fan base in their native England, but they are sure to expand it with this release. The most impressive thing about this album is that it sounds like a mature work, one that happens usually when bands develop greater insights into their songwriting process, their musicianship, and their overall sound. With this album, though, these guys introduce themselves as a known commodity that we, the audience, need to catch up with. These guys are confident in their abilities and ready to take the world by storm.

It's true that I sometimes hesitate to recommend metalcore bands, but in this case I make an exception because the vocals here aren't as quick to alternate between harsh and clean so quickly and so predictably. The vocals on this release actually sounded pretty good--mostly harsh, but effective. I also really enjoyed the overall sound the band offers. Sure, the songs are somewhat repetitive at times, but I'm not concerned with that right now. My interest in these guys comes from the fact that they sound so good, so solid and mature.

I like the title of the last track "Blood Meridian." That's the name of one of Cormac McCarthy's best novels, a work that systematically breaks down the romantic legends of the Wild West. McCarthy offers readers a bleak, nasty, view of the West as a lawless, often terrible, place. It's a powerful book. I'm not sure whether the song is meant as a nod to McCarthy's novel, but I liked making the connection. I love it when bands draw on literature to give their music new themes and perspectives.

Track Listing:
1. Pretender
2. A Living Nightmare
3. Checkmate
4. The House Always Wins
5. Early Years
6. Eye to Eye
7. Mother's Ruin
8. Reap What You Sow
9. Blind Sighted
10. Blood Meridian

Added: October 10th 2012
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1616
Language: english

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