Metal Side Reviews – July 2007

Vital Remains "Icons of Evil"

2007, Century Media

Vital Remains are one of my favorite Death Metal bands. They have a place on my top ten list. Probably only Morbid Angel recorded as many great albums as Tony Lazaro's crew. I always can't wait to hear their new album and they've never disappointed me. "Icons of Evil" isn't the exception. Tony Lazaro announcing this material said that it would be their "Reign in Blood". Perhaps he went one step too far. I think that Vital Remains top album is still "Forever Underground" – absolutely amazing material that will always remain one of the genre's milestones. The new album isn't as original. It continues style from the previous recordings while "Let Us Prey" and "Forever Underground" were totally fresh. That's why Lazaro's words don't convince me. "Reign in Blood" of any band must be this band absolutely best material. But it doesn't mean that I have any reasons to criticize "Icons of Evil". The fury and strength of nine Vital Remains tracks are unbelievable and probably are beyond everything they have done before. The speed is totally insane as well as Glen Benton's vocals. Yngwie Malsteem's cover is a surprise. The rest is typical. The rest is masterpiece.

Immolation "Shadows in the Light"

2007, Listenable

Immolation crushes! That would be the shortest summary of the new album released by this legendary band. Frankly, I don't think that any reviews are necessary to encourage Death Metal fans to listen to it. Immolation is a cult. One of those bands that always guarantee the highest level, and set new standards for the genre. Although my favorite Immolation's albums are "Dawn of Possession" and "Here In After", I admire their next works as well. They were still extreme and more and more musically demanding. Recording them, Immolation became one of the most ambitious Death Metal bands. "Shadows in the Light" has the best features of "Harnessing Ruin" or "Unholy Cult", being at the same the most straightforward and fastest material since "Here in After". Its strength and brutality is amazing even taking into consideration Immolation's standards. That's masterpiece like always in their case.

Combat "Ruination"

2007, That's Heavy Records

Combat waited for debut album extremely long. They had first chance in the mid 80's when they became respectable band in the Thrash Metal underground. However, different problems forced this talented band to quit the scene before they truly conquered it. That's a pity because in the second half of the 80's, it was a very good time for such dynamic and technical music. Fortunately, Combat did now what wasn't possible a decade ago, and that's very important fact for Thrash Metal scene. It didn't cause its ruination but should activate a bit stagnant Thrash Metal movement. Combat delivers nine very interesting, original songs. They didn't betray the roots. Their musical foundation seems to be the same as twenty years ago. However, "Ruination" isn't outdated material. Saving the traditional Thrash/Speed Metal spirit, New York's trio has new ideas, and knows how to blend old formulas with them.

Candlemass "King of the Grey Islands"

2007, Nuclear Blast

Candlemass without Messiah Marcolin? For many fans, that's not Candlemass. I won't agree with them though I think that Messiah was always Candlemass trademark. His voice is the essence of Doom Metal, but the essence of Doom Metal is also Candlemass riffing, and it hasn't changed. Musically that's the best Candlemass style. Memorable, dark songs are impressive as ever. And we should remember that it's not the first time when Candlemass is forced to exist without Messiah. The band survived his absence in the past and it should survive now as well. Although it's obvious that it's really difficult to replace as charismatic singer. Who could do it better than Robert Lowe? His previous work, Solitude Aeternus opus "Alone", was true Doom Metal masterpiece. "King of the Grey Islands" is equally impressive.

Heinous Killings "Hung With Barbwire"

2006, Unmatched Brutality

Well… Will you hear some ballads on this album? Rather not. Will you hear clean singing? I'm afraid that it's not possible. Maybe will you be admiring melodic solos? Unfortunately, not this time. Because you have luck or bad luck to listen to pure Gore/Grind/Death Metal material. Unmatched Brutality likes to release such bands. Many US DM musicians try to play in such style and honestly many of them fails. But not Joe Wolf who recorded everything on "Hung With Barbwire". He has good experiences from Clean Flesh, Erotic Incisions and Necrotic Disgorgement. His live line-up looks extremely interesting since he plays with Ben Deskins (Necrotic Disgorgement, Regurgitation), Harold Burton (Erotic Incisions, Decay), and two members of one of my favorite band Solidification – D. J. and Phil Good. "Hung With Barbwire" is one-sided material, that's for sure. That will be a weakness for everyone who doesn't like such style. But its fans will be delighted.

Muerte Villa "La Conquista"

2007, Negativity Records

Muerte Villa comes from Texas. That's state where Death Metal exists in the most extreme forms so you can't be surprised that "La Conquista" delivers pure brutality. Six tracks with lyrics in Spanish have relatively simple structures based on good, shredding riffs and solid tempo changes. They should please those who like Infliction, Death of Millions, Funeral Rites, Nothing Remains speaking only of Texan bands. Already after first CD Muerte Villa took place in the first league of the scene in the state where the rivalry is very strong. I hope that the next materials will be at least as good as debut.

Demonical "Servants of the Unlight"

2007, Cyclone Empire

If you like fast and brutal Swedish Death Metal, Demonical is a perfect band for you. If you dig Anata, Thorium, old Edge of Sanity, Demonical should really impress you. "Servants of the Unlight" is one of the best albums recorded in Scandinavia in a long time. The band is new, formed in 2006, but the musicians have been the part of Swedish scene for many years. They were in Centinex and their past is audible in Demonical's style. They attack unmercifully, not trying to soften their material by any unnecessary additions. It's well-composed, uncompromising Death Metal with catchy riffing and a lot of energy. There's nothing new stylistically here but that's not a problem because the style is well-chosen and well-adopted.

Abominant "Triumph of the Kill"

2007, Deathgasm Records

"Triumph of the Kill" is Abominant's seventh album! They needed only ten years to release them. Great result and the triumph of hard and consequent work! Such band should be appreciated. Abominant has never been the brightest and loudest star of the genre, but always has good reviews and devoted fans. Kentucky's band doesn't revolutionize its style. They still blend American brutal approach with melodic riffing that remind a bit of Scandinavian Death Metal. Some Thrash Metal-oriented elements are audible as well although DM brutality dominates. "Triumph of the Kill" has good compositions and is worth frequent listening. It's more aggressive than previous albums as well as more brutal. Listening to many tracks from that album I'm really impressed.

Legion Victorious "Demo" 2006

I waited for their new material and I almost lost hope that I would hear it. But Legion Victorious is back, stronger than ever. If you wanted me to formulate a short and suggestive description of their music, I would say that they are California's response to Deicide. Many bands try to be like Deicide, and only few managed to be close. If you would like to analyze Legion Victorious in such categories, you would have to put them on the list of successful Deicide's followers. But California's band isn't definitely Deicide's clone. It has enough own ideas not to be treated in such way. The style is similar but not identical. Describing it without the use of the names of other bands, I have to underline the band's biggest advantages: powerful riffing and brutal vocals. The tempos are varied, but never slow. I like especially parts of the tracks with fast drumming but I can't say a bad word about those played in mid-tempos. This music is not only brutal and well-composed but also well-executed. Good solos are the proof for my opinion. Generally speaking, that's a strong candidate for a good recording deal.

Archaic Winter "The Psychology of Death"

2006, Metalbolic Records

"The Psychology of Death" has one very important feature: it's original material. Although Archaic Winter doesn't pass the boundaries of Death Metal, being very deeply rooted in classical forms of the genre, it manages to avoid too obvious similarities with other bands. I could say that I hear such influences like Ceremonium, Incantation, Accidental Suicide (frankly totally forgotten band), Afterlife (another missing in Death Metal action), but all such comparisons could be misleading. Archaic Winter has own style. When they play fast, like in "Under The Black Moons" I'm impressed. I like as well dark atmosphere of the album. That's its unique feature. A feature that only very good albums have…

Drawn and Quartered "Merciless Hammer of Lucifer"

2007, Moribund Cult

Drawn and Quartered has been one of my favorite bands since debut album "To Kill Is Human". Seven years have gone, and they keep recording better and better albums. That's a rare ability. Drawn and Quartered's style is evolving in a direction worth praising by every Death Metal fan. Their music gets darker and more brutal. The core of the style doesn't change but each new album delivers enough new great riffs to avoid stagnation that is a serious problem for many other experienced bands. Drawn and Quartered has already recorded five full-length album and one EP (MCD). When Metal Side was preparing the lists of the best albums of the year, it was obvious that if Washington's band released a material that year, it would be on our list. "Merciless Hammer of Lucifer" has its place there as well. One of the best albums of 2007 is simply great Death Metal proposal.

Annunaki "Throne of the Annunaki"

2007, Militia Records

Annunaki is a new form of Lament. Lament's premature demise after only one full length album "Death of Innocence" was a bad news for New Jersey's scene but Annunaki's birth announced better project. Annunaki's drummer, Kevin Kuzma, was drumming for Bloodfeast. That means a lot! His work on "Throne of the Annunaki" is very good, and the same I can say about other musicians who recorded this album. That's very good, straightforward material. Annunaki blends elements of Death Metal and Speed/Thrash Metal. Death Metal influences are much stronger. They are in the middle way between US brutality and Scandinavian melodic approach. The songs are catchy but with strong, uncompromising riffing. Double vocals, higher and deeper, work well. The tempos are mainly fast although without typical blast beats. Perhaps that's very standard description of band's music but the quartet doesn't experiment, using successfully the formulas from the 80's and early 90's.

Monstrosity "Spiritual Apocalypse"

2007, Metal Blade

I remember my first contact with Monstrosity's music. It was in 1992. In one of Polish radio stations I heard the opening track from impressive debut album "Impending Doom". It was the era of global domination of Florida's Death Metal and Morrisound Studios. Most talented bands from the sunny state were offered recording deals with best Metal labels only after one demo tape. Monstrosity was one of them. 15 years later they are still one of the best Florida's Death Metal acts. "Spiritual Apocalypse" is Monstrosity's fourth studio album. Taking into consideration that "Impending Doom" was released in 1992, that's not impressive result. The breaks between albums are long. On the other hand, each Monstrosity's material is impressive. According to Lee Harrison, the only original member who is in the current line-up, "Spiritual Apocalypse" was to be close to style known from "Millennium". I hear such similarities but new compositions aren't too revolutionary comparing to "Rise to Power" as well. It's simply very good Monstrosity's style that doesn't change drastically. That's pure Florida's Death Metal in greatest form.

Cephalic Carnage "Xenosapien"

2007, Relapse Records

Cephalic Carnage's new album is their fifth release in such format. Fifth very good release that's why don't be surprised that I see Colorado's band in the elite of US scene. They deserved to be placed high in all rankings because they are one of the most innovative brutal bands. Their technical Death/Grind always brings many fresh ideas. Frankly, few years ago I was afraid that because of a bit experimental approach, Cephalic Carnage would be less brutal, and maybe some day even forget about Death Metal roots. Listening to fast, crushing although still complex and ambitious compositions from "Xenosapien" I can hear how much I was wrong. This album could be very instructive for those musicians who would like to experiment but don't know why. My advice is: try to be like Cephalic Carnage and use their formula in which complex songwriting doesn't eliminate brutality.

Angelcorpse "Of Lucifer and Lighting"

2007, Osmose

Did you believe that Angelcorpse would regroup? Frankly, I didn't expect that it would happen. On the other hand, we witness so many different, sometimes completely unexpected comebacks that perhaps there's no reason to be surprised by Angelcorpse's will to try once again. Anyway, it doesn't matter why they are together. It's important that one of the best Death Metal bands of late 90's managed to reform and record a new album. Fortunately, it's good release and we don't have to curse the band that they ruined their reputation, betrayed the roots, or sold out themselves. Angelcorpse composed and recorded an album that is simply a continuation of style known from old three albums. Typical Angelcorpse's riffing and vocals are one more time effective. Frankly, I would expect only better production. Previous albums had more brutal sound. They seem to be a bit more aggressive as well. But don't expect any soft sounds on "Of Lucifer and Lighting". They are not Angelcorpse's nature.

Warface "Insanity of the Obsessed"

2006, Deathquake Records

Warface comes from San Diego. The trio released debut EP/CD in 2001. The full-length material continues old style although there are some changes in more brutal and sicker direction. That's music for fans of Aversion of Life, Lust of Decay, Devourment, or Vitality. Nothing more and nothing less than brutal Death Metal with deep vocals, blast beats, and shredding riffing. The songwriting is solid. Tempo changes are frequent but a bit one-sided. Since the album isn't long (32:03), that's not a problem really. There is enough brutality here to complain.

Immortal Divination "Demo 2006"

This material isn't long but since early Death Metal era such format – demo with three songs – is a classical way to present band's talent, or its lack. Washington's quartet has talent, that's obvious. Their brutal and fast Death Metal takes no prisoners. It's music for those who dig Hate Eternal, Diabolic, Impurity, Morbid Angel – generally speaking fast US DM in its Florida's form. Since Immortal Divination's drummer took some lessons from Pete Sandoval, such influences aren't shocking. The traditional patterns blended with some original ideas create a good brutal material. Its quality is undeniable also because of solid production – a work of Juan "Punchy" Gonzales in his Diet of Worms studios. It's very good place to record brutal Death Metal. I hope that Immortal Divination will be recording there full-length debut too.

Crown The Lost "Reverence Dies Within"

2006, self-released

It's one of the most interesting debut albums of 2006, and frankly I'm surprised that there is no wider discussion in the underground about this material. First of all, Crown The Lost composes interesting songs. Many riffs from the album are memorable and original. The material is also well-executed. Technical skills of band's members are much over average. The third important factor that persuades me to praise Crown the Lost is their style which is well-balanced mix of Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, and Death Metal. Riffing is catchy, drumming is aggressive, and vocals are clean and melodic (with some brutal backing vocals). Nowadays hundreds or rather thousands bands try to compose such varied music but most of them make a tragic mistake having such ambitions. Crown The Lost isn't afraid to use different influences, but also has a good idea how to blend them. Visiting band's website www.crownthelost.com one can read the lists of ten favorite albums and songs chosen by every Crown The Lost's member. You will see Judas Priest and Death, In Flames and Motorhead, Pantera and My Dying Bride, At The Gates and Testament, Impaled and Morbid Angel. They have good musical taste, and enough talent to express that in own music.