Artist: Transgression
Title: Escape the Plagues
Type: Demo
Label: self-released

Deep-roaring vocals take us into this 5 track demo from Transgression. It’s harsh and brutal but what struck me the most on “End of Days” was the colourful guitar structures. Highly technical, melodic, rough at the edges, swirling and working up and down the scale, I sensed an affinity with At the Gates. But Transgression aren’t from Sweden. They’re from Plymouth. It’s like they’re having their own battle of the bands. “Fear the Fall” starts in still darker tones. The relentless vocals call Hyprocrisy to mind. The guitars, again on the attack, continue to meander ominously and engage in warfare. It slows down momentarily and the onslaught recommences. So it is on “Labour”. Hammering guitars start it off. Death growls intervene into this thrashing world of Metalcore. The guitars strike out in harsh defiance. No prisoners are being taken. This is a chaotic and brutal world. Next is “The Thirst”. The vocalist roars fiercely. The guitars act like razorblades shredding paper. It’s extreme, relentless and impressive. Momentarily there’s a clean section but it’s short. We’re quickly back to the customary punishment and intensity. Darkness prevails once more on “Elegies for the Living”. Speed and heaviness are of the essence but surprisingly, the slaughter abates as we head into a deep, dark passage, which threatens to intensify, but driven by the nearest thing this band will get to delicacy fades into a guitar-driven serenade of hopelessness.

This 21 minute blast from Transgression is utterly uncompromising and impressive. What makes it more so is the technical skill which add to the power and energy of this demo. This is no token effort. This is an all-out assault, delivered in a skilful way and designed to capture the listener’s attention and wake the dead at the same time. I’m sure we’ll be hearing more of Transgression.

http://www.myspace.com/transgressionuk