Neaera’s previous album ‘Armamentarium’ made it into to my top ten albums in 2007. The whole brutalising album had everything I desired from modern death metal, deathcore, call it what you will. This new release shows absolutely no signs of slipping up as these German deathsters have increased the amount of double bass and dominant Swedish riffing. The opening track ‘I Loathe’ has no ponsy intro as the earthshaking bass drums create a pulverising heaviness akin to bands like Demiurg and Paganizer.
Whilst I favour labelling this band as death metal purists would argue that the Swedish style riffs are true to form but the vocals venture too far into deathcore territory which would be a poor reason for passing this album by. The catchy hook employed in ‘Prey To Anguish’ has a tech edge but with plenty of aggression due to the crushing double bass kick annihilation. A Grave style enters the foray on ‘The Wretched Of The Earth’ which is no bad thing as the songs builds up for a great twist in the middle.
‘Grave New World’ has hints of Amon Amarth in the guitar tone being slightly depressing before the main hook generates a semi blast with brutalising heaviness which, combined with the vocals is quite terrifying. A slight God Dethroned and Necrophobic vibe is felt on ‘Age Of Hunger’ as the melody of the song is graced by great harmonies and power. Old death metallers like me have an annoying habit of picking out influences and ‘Caesura’ has a Carcass riff to start with which is purely an observation as the song is thoroughly enjoyable though the title track is far better, with its rasping riff tone. The drop in pace is excellent and produces an added bounce that makes death metal so fantastic. By the time you reach ‘In Near Ruins’ there have been no discernible faults in this album as ‘The Nothing Doctrine’ has a fantastic caustic riff that blends with the death metal sludge.
Death metal purists may pull their noses up at the tag this band gets but believe me this is a pummelling death metal onslaught from the off which has minor deathcore traits. Check it out, I challenge you not to be impressed.
http://www.neaera.com
http://www.myspace.com/neaera
