Friday 31 October 2014

Dystopian Wrath - Dystopian Wrath

Self Released 2014
 
1.Suffering State 2.Dawn Of The End 3.Back To The Maze
4.Black Sea Of Trees
 
Devon’s Dystopian Wrath unleashed their debut e.p back in March this year and what an introduction to the band this is! Opening track ‘Suffering State’ sets the tone perfectly for the remainder of the release. Harsh guitars are unleashed furiously in a torrent of melodic black/death metal and are backed up with mostly fast to extremely fast drumming (albeit programmed as the band are struggling to find a human with the necessary skills) and accompanied by some excellent vocals delivered harshly in a mainly black metal screamed style. The bands influences are immediately obvious from the outset, Dimmu Borgir and Belphegor being obvious comparisons but as ‘Dawn Of The End’ blasts forth, there is an air of older Satyricon (think Mother North) to some of the guitar harmonies and melodies incorporated into this second track. Keyboards are introduced in very grandiose fashion as the song is slowly brought to a close and again, slower Dimmu instantly springs to mind. Not that the band are clones, far from it in fact! The atmospheres that the band create have a distinctly sinister feel to them, something latter day Dimmu lacks and it’s those sinister and morbid undertones that sets Dystopian Wrath apart from their better known peers. ‘Back To The Maze’ takes the pace down somewhat, opting for a slower crawl which allows the dark atmospheres to begin to make their mark, haunting and devastating, this slower track really stands out as being something very special. Closing this self-titled e.p is ‘Black Sea Of Trees, which follows on seamlessly, building the tension slowly, very slowly in a desperate and pained cacophony of utter despair and ultimately sounds out the suicide of the sad soul assumingly being described in the song. For a debut release, Dystopian Wrath are setting the standard very high indeed, such is the brilliance that this e,p oozes throughout each and every song. The musicianship, arrangements and compositions are flawless, as is the production (bar a slightly ‘clicky’ drum sound, but that’s a minor niggle) which helps to create the morbid, monstrous and pain etched atmospheres. Another prime example of a young UK band at the very top of their game, showing the rest “how it’s done” through their brand of elite black/death metal. If you haven’t checked these guys out, then it’s about time you did as this release comes very highly recommended!
 
8.5 Out Of 10
 
Band Page: Here
Buy It: Here
 

Thursday 30 October 2014

Twice The Trauma - Cancer Of The Decency

Self Released 2014
 
1.Crystal Meth And Special Brew 2.Burnt Remains Delayed My Train
3.Posthumous Execution 4.Fetus In Fetu 5.Carrion Regardless
6.Armageddon Cant Come Soon Enough 7.Cancer Of The Decency
8.Twice The Anal Trauma 9.Involuntary Anal Oil Seepage
10.Shouldn't Have Had That Coffee 11. Palmer, The Union Man 12. A-Salt And Battery
13.The Puncture Song 14. From Mouth To Cock 15.Slice Up Your Wife
 
Crazy North East grind-core duo ‘Twice The Trauma’ return with their second demo ‘Cancer of The Decency’ and what a return it is. The band blasts through fifteen tracks in a little over seventeen minutes, so you instantly know what barrage you’re going to be treated to – short, fast and to the point from the outset! From the moment that opening track ‘Crystal Meth And Special Brew’ blasts open in an insane mix of rabid blast beats, punked up and savage guitars and ultra-guttural vocals the improvement from the first demo is instantly notable. Firstly the production has been fine-tuned and brought together to give things a much more balanced feeling (something which lacked on the band’s debut demo). Secondly the song writing sounds much more mature, which you would probably expect, but it’s a very notable improvement, which stands the duo in good stead for the remainder of the release. As the songs whizz by at lightning speed there’s a hint of Macabre in their music, not so ‘nursery rhyme’ however, but the leanings are definitely there and it makes them really enjoyable to listen to. Although the band utilise a drum machine they have tried to adopt a very organic and human feeling and sounding kit which in the large they have managed to achieve and is once again credit to their vast improvements. A lot of the very short tracks bring out what must be another of the bands influences, namely Napalm Death, think ‘The Kill’ and you’ll know what’s happening! Necro Lee and Ian The Goat (as they name themselves) have produced another great demo that features some extremely well played, well produced grindcore songs that show off a massive sense of humour but that also shows off the bands determination to improve and produce some quality extreme metal. As I mentioned in my review of their first demo, these two nutters are great if you can catch them live, if you're not fortunate enough to see them, then you should definitely think about picking up their demo (if it is still available as its limited to 50 copies). Well done guys, a vast and welcomed improvement that shows much promise for future releases
 
8 out of 10
Band Page: Here