Dutch metal maniacs Mortal Form have been honing their art for a decade, but due to problems with line-up and a commendable spirit of perfectionism when it comes to output, “Taste the Blood” is actually their debut full-length. Billing themselves as what happens ‘when death meets thrash’, Mortal Form have captured an interesting and effective corner of the market; their foundations are driven deep into a bedrock of brutal, relentless death metal, but they also have a wicked sense of catchiness, and a real talent for melody, which means the audience for their work is broad indeed.
After ten years, it’s unsurprising to find that this five-piece are adept musicians, and have the knowledge and contacts to pull a deep, full, balanced sound from production and mastering. From opener “The Uprising” the word that springs to mind is ‘rampaging’; melodic and flourish-filled leads flow effortlessly over the unexpectedly brutal riffs like silk over the harshest, dirtiest volcanic rock, with absolutely no let up in intensity and head-bang inducing pace. Mortal Form’s stated influences range from Kreator and Death to Arch Enemy and In Flames, which seems a fair enough synopsis of the ingredients “Taste the Blood” might boil down to. It’s satisfyingly heavy and crushing, but has a slickness created using the template of the latter two bands.
There are other demons at play within these Dutchmen’s minds, however; “Besiege” has a fast and furious old-school flavour to it that reminded me of Motorhead, or Venom’s “Black Metal” album; the low-slung but prominent bass lines found throughout the album do hint at an appreciation for classic bands who had no need of calculated sophistication. Indeed, Mortal Form’s charm is that their tracks do not feel structured for the stadium in the way that Arch Enemy’s tend to; you get the feeling that this is very much their natural setting, and even the screaming solos and flashy high-speed leads do not make them seem ‘virtuoso’ or subject to trends. There is an honesty and organic nature to their approach; they may have varied influences, some of which are accessible, but more importantly they have two excellent guitarists in the form of Tuen and Vincent, and a real passion for putting together the music they themselves want to hear.
The vocals on “Taste the Blood” weirdly both add to and ground the catchiness of Mortal Form’s style. They’re down-to-earth, with Rogier’s guttural death metal shout following a modicum of melody but refusing to get over-dramatic, but the lyrics have an irresistible quality that adds to the band’s accessibility, whether they’re discussing Europe’s pre-Roman heritage (“The Uprising”), the overcrowded nature of modern nationhood (“Territorial”), the corruptions of Christianity (“Blasphemer”), or, er, being sick on the street after a night out and a bad kebab (“Guts in the Gutter”).
In all, then, “Taste the Blood” is a satisfying slab of modern death metal, constructed by highly talented musicians who have a deep understanding of and respect for their less marketable forebears. It gives off an aura of credibility and accomplishment, as well as having its own distinct personality, which will inspire the listener to return to it for repeat spins.
http://www.myspace.com/whendeathmeetsthrash
