There appears to be a trend for polysyllabic band names at the moment, Annotations Of An Autopsy and War From A Harlots Mouth being a couple of examples, giving me the false impression that this UK based outfit was going to sit plum among the deathcore scene. I am very glad I was wrong on this occasion as this talented band offer up great and enthusing melodic death metal.
Thankfully this album begins with no ponsy intro as “Avarice” unleashes a caustic Swedish style riff assault. Duelling growls and snarls are typical vocal fare for this scene as the heaviness hints at a more US death metal angle as the bruising double bass kick hits hard. “Deeds Of Days Long Gone” has a thrash distinction due to the speedier style riff and dynamic, indeed thrash riffs pop up here and there in the majority of the songs giving the album a vibrant varied appeal.
Not content with mixing Swedish riffs with US brutality the band also use a Polish context for the beat in “Elegance In Aggression” which begins in true Vader fashion. As mentioned the thrash element pops up here with a dense riff that is vicious and reminds me of the late 80s and early 90s thrash and death metal scene crossover that took place. A corking riff starts off “Saviour” as again the thrash tinge rears its head but don’t be fooled as this is solidly executed and very heavy death metal with the occasional nod to Arch Enemy due to the high velocity lead work.
The brutality is increased on “Solitude” with the vocals having a Benton beastly bark and Nergal style roar to them. What this band offers over many of their competitors is the ability to fluidly blend bruising death metal with harmonising guitar elements. The drum work uses the double bass kick not only for a good old fashioned bludgeoning but also for melody and the creation of catchy beats in “Dynasty Damnation”. The talent on display is formidable as the guys keep the songs short and punchy as they range from a thump in the guts, a kick in the balls or just simply an aural headbutt.
It is almost inevitable that this band will be lumped into the deathcore genre due to the odd slamming riff which is a shame as they fit firmly within death metal. A top quality death metal demolition.
http://www.myspace.com/ignominiousincarceration
http://www.earacherecords.com
