First off, let me begin by saying that this is the kind of hardcore that really kicks you in the teeth. It also doesn't hurt that you're singer is Malevolent Creation's Brett Hoffman either. The music here is heavy in the most brutal sense while integrating fair portions of groove (awesome bass in all tunes) and death metal together to make an awesome combo. Just check out "That Which Will Not Die", a song that is most worthy of distinction. The first word to come roaring out is "kiiiillll" and what follows is 3:10 of ultra-spank groove that recalls some of Pantera's finer moments. You surely will be yelling along to this and that bell that tolls at the end of the song-- absolutely slays baby!! Then he goes and starts out "Deceived" in a similar way with him saying, "Deceeeiiveed!" The song is in no way musically similar to the last because this one is a friggin' organ grinder with that "Mesa style" thump of the guitars over a nice and slow Sabbath style riff. What I am getting at is these guys are cool in a way that Obituary is cool and that is the truth. They have some good chemistry happening and the songs are solid as hell. I was really impressed by the bass solo "Watch Me Die". Bassist Scott O'Dell lays down some soothing & grooving melody and it is about time that bands recognize that the "Cliff" factor is a good way to be. Other than that modest instrument spotlight, it is easy to tell that the band has a more utilitarian ethic to their music and nobody is in there trying to take the spotlight away from someone else. But let me be clear—the musicianship is first class all the way (listen to the drumming in "Down the Drain") and the absence of guitar solos—well there is a short one in the cd closer "Your Demise" if you're counting-- in lieu of great songs is forgivable in this case; not to mention some great angry and antagonistic lyrics that are always at the boiling point make this a winner from every angle.
This is the real sound of rage!!
Track Listing
1. Dying Inside
2. Over Mastered Desire
3. That Which Will Not Die
4. Deceived
5. Watch Me Die
6. Gods End
7. Darker Then
8. Down The Drain
9. Void Revised
10. Arsenal
11. Your Demise
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
