IGNOMINIOUS INCARCERATION, SEQUENCE OF MALICE & PROPER MASSIVE CYCLOPS
LEEDS SUBCULTURE - 23/04/09
I have to admit that seeing this gig advertised at another local gig made me smile until I saw the names of a couple of supports acts also on the bill who failed to impress me in the slightest. That gig was not long ago so the prospect of witnessing their shows prompted me to possibly arrive late and miss their sets, but being the professional I am I traipsed into the venue to hear the dismal din of an act approaching the end of their set. Perfect timing there I thought to myself, assuming it was Proper Massive Cyclops, which it was not when the local doomcore sludge appeared on stage some 15 minutes later. I gave the band their best shot at impressing me but in between the verbal barrage, and quite frankly, childish sexual jibes I sat down with my drink and looked at the flyers on the walls and the tables.
Sequence Of Malice were slightly better but the chug chug and ultra deep vocals did little to inspire this writer to state anything positive. Whilst better than PMC in terms of technicality the bands deathcore was generic and uninspiring due to the all too familiar riff patterns and breakdowns. The vocals were particularly deep and very formidable considering the stature of the guys doing them as the guys sounded almost beastlike at times. The bands music fits very well with Job For A Cowboy and Despised Icon though lacking the technical finesse and varied song structures. I felt the band has some potential if they attempt to upgrade the playing ability to compete with the rest of the saturated deathcore scene.
And so onto the main guys Ignominious Incareration who boasted a huge sound as their mid paced slam core was greeted with indifference as the local acts seemed to sod off and take their fans with them. Their loss I guess. Tracks from the bands debut album “Of Winter Born” were aired and it was plainly clear that the guys from Bath were leagues above the supports acts. The vocal dexterity was impressive as tinges of Cryptopsy permeated “Tide Of Pestilence”. The songs were packed with infectious bounce and energy as the band weaved a tapestry of riffs effortlessly in “Solitude”. As ever the balance between power and slams is crucial and tonight II had it down to almost perfection when “Dynasty Damnation” opened with a corking Swedish style metal lead overlaid with a terrifying vocal fracas. The Swedish elements continued to rain down during “Deeds Of Days long Gone” but this time graced by tons of harmonies that made all their tunes so interesting to hear. With very short sets played on the night and lasting no more than 30 minutes the band was quickly into their final bombardment in the shape of the title track “Of Winter Born”. The speed of the guitar work, the vocal violence and battering drum work was excellent and I was very disappointed that the set had finished at just after 10PM. An excellent display of melodic death metal. Check them out ASAP.
Martin Harris
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