What would you say are the similarities and differences between metalcore and deathcore? Ok you think both are shit is the similarity, very funny. Similarly both genres dominate their songs with slamming beatdowns to keep the kung fu chicken moshing reprobates entertained in the pit. Also each genre is guilty of riffing and lead wankery of the highest order. However let’s face it deathcore has a far more brutal stance and metalcore often employs gay clean vocals whereas deathcore never does. Deathcore uses simple riffs tuned as far down as possible to make their songs as heavy as possible, whereas metalcore focuses on more technical riffs from the thrash scene. I often think both genres are confused with the other giving the impression that a band like Nembience is deathcore when their music is closer to metalcore and apart from the odd gay vocal moment this is most likely just plain old melodic death/thrash that takes its influences from latter day Carcass, Arch Enemy and In Flames.
The album kicks off with “The Worst Is Yet To Come” and has some decent enough lead work that has that hint of harmony creating a very melodic atmosphere to the song. “Victim Of Failure” and “Damnation” have some snappy blast moments with the former containing a latter day Carcass riff and an At The Gates melody. The latter track has a catchier vibe to it, only for it to be obliterated by clean vocals of the variety I despise. “From Hell To Eternity” has some In Flames tunefulness mixed with some Carcass style riffing which may come across as something different but in reality is fairly repetitive and unadventurous. The School of Amott riff and lead worship is everywhere on this album and whilst the playing is accomplished it is just a plain rehash of stuff I’ve heard countless times over the last decade in this style.
By far the fastest song is “Towards Extinction” which attacks like early The Haunted with the added dimension of double bass and tons of snare blasting. Best song by far is the closing song “Lifeless But Breathing” which begins with a rabid snare assault that blends into a double bass kick blast before a crunchy riff bursts in. The sprinkling of lead harmonies over the top is excellent. As the song develops the lead takes over and differs from the rest by being longer, more focused and better thought out. This song benefits from a more complex structure but balanced by good changes in pace. This album will certainly be lumped in with metalcore due to the odd clean vocal and beatdown being used but in reality “Through Times Of Despair” is a melodic thrash album that is played well and shows considerable ability. Unfortunately thrashers will avoid it like the plague due to what I’ve said and metalcore teenagers won’t find it commercial enough to show off their wind milling skills to their girl friends in the mosh pit.
http://www.nembience.com
http://www.myspace.com/nembience
