Apathy, as the biography informs, ‘is the creation of multi-instrumentalist, Viktor Jonas; a one man band that focus on Progressive Death/Doom Metal.’
Reading though a number of reviews of Apathy’s demo, brings up a number of different bands and genres; Opeth, Katatonia, Agalloch...even In Flames are mentioned! The Gothenburg aspect nestles in there with newer Opeth and older Katatonia references which is perhaps a little bizarre.
‘The Mist and the Ocean’ begins this near hour of...what shall we call it? Sorrowful Gothenburg tinged Metal? I certainly wouldn’t call it Death or Doom; musically I think it sounds like old Katatonia playing Melodic Death Metal. Opeth are definitely the first band to spring to mind though on this opening track, and their Deliverance opus, the era in this instance. It lulls along with a Brave Murder Day (second Katatonia album) style pace with vocals belonging to one of those Gothenburg bands. Dramatic keyboards are introduced here and there, raising the gloom levels a tad, but I’m afraid this opening song rarely goes beyond dreary for me.
‘To End the Misery’ is boosted by the ever so slightly Drudkh-like (their song ‘The First Snow’ comes to mind) keyboards and the acoustic interludes which I find far more interesting than the main riffs. The vocals unfortunately haven’t left Gothenburg for Stockholm yet, and would benefit greatly from this change of cities if you know what I mean.
‘The Man who swallowed the Sun’ has some interesting melodies which are broken up by nice acoustics. The vocals have also improved somewhat by this point, having a bit more bite and substance to them. They haven’t turned into growls, but are just more venomous.
‘One with the Shadows’ is actually rather intriguing, with an acoustic beginning not too dissimilar to Opeth’s ‘The Funeral Portrait’. The riffs have more darkness and power here which are always appreciated.
In places, vocalist Mattias Wetterhall produces melodic vocals which fit the music well, though never seem to lift it enough to make a striking impression.
Final track ‘Slumber’ features some ever-so-slightly drawn out riffs, which being a Black Metal head, I would pick up on. The vocals oddly have changed slightly again by this point, taking on more of a growl and definitely sounding better. See, the Stockholm connection does work!
Unfortunately this really isn’t my cup of tea and this was probably obvious in the second paragraph. As far as I’m concerned the songs could really do with a healthy trim as I tend to lose interest a few minutes into each one. Fans of the Gothenburg scene and old Katatonia may well enjoy this though.
http://www.myspace.com/apathyswe
http://www.apathy.artnoir-productions.com
