This release is thrash through and through and while it might not be as challenging or clever as say the latest release from the likes of Testament, it does have its place in metal. There just some times when a good bit of plain and simple trash fits the bill. And these guys do it well without a doubt. It has all the anger, angst, and aggressiveness you expect from a good thrash effort.
This lot, as have several bands in the last year, prove that there is life in the ole’ dogs yet. Just because you have been around a long time does not mean you have run out of ideas.
Netherbird: The Ghost Collector
This marks the band first full album only having released EPs up until this point. As you might imagine from the name of the band, they peddle gothic melodic death metal with oodles of misery and angst. “Adrift on a Sea of Misery” with its movie soundtrack intro perfectly sums of the mood of this lot. The band opt for two core members and sessions musicians depending on what is needed.
This cleverer than your average death or goth metal fare. Because of the nature of the band they try to pull out all the stops to get the right sound for the band. Added elements of symphonic death metal drift in whether its choir like backing vocals to counter the death metal rumblings or the use of keyboards to evoke epic moods. This is not an album full of whining but something a bit more clever than that.
A strong sense of melody combines with the death metal elements to produce something that is worth listening to if you give the album some time. All is not all it seems at first listen and this is well with the time investment. Who says you can be clever and miserable?
Withered: Folie Circulaire
Not to be confused with the now-defunct Icelandic Withered, this lot of Americans are a bunch of miserable sods. Like the above album this is a collection of misery, angst and sorrow tinged with a healthy dose of anger. There however is not one bit of subtlety to be had on this release preferring the in your face attitude to soundscapes. This bunch of are pissed off and not afraid to tell you as loud as they can.
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