Absolution is a death metal band from the
UK was first formed in the early 90s. The band initially lasted for a
single demo and just a few years, but recently reformed to continue unleashing
pure death. “Temptations of the Flesh” is their new EP, released in 2015, and
is 3 tracks of uncompromising, insanely heavy death metal. Though this EP tends
not to reinvent the wheel, it is competently written and performed. In
particular, the vocals of Neil Hadden are the highlight because they’re a
throwback to the great Kam Lee of Massacre. His growls are inhumanly deep, but
still very understandable – a wicked combination.
The musical approach is predictable:
detuned guitars playing monstrous-sounding chords, occasionally switching to
more upbeat tremolo-picked riffs. The band utilizes samples throughout all
three tracks, but otherwise, they waste little time before bringing the
devastation. There’s actually quite a bit of mid-paced work on this record,
which often sets the scene for the guitar solos. The lead playing itself is
certainly more melodic and coherent in nature than some death metal bands.
From a production standpoint, “Temptations
of the Flesh” is convincing in sounding like it was recorded in the early 90s.
Though it sounds good, it isn’t quite as perfect as many modern bands. The
result is that each instrument has room to breathe, and the low end doesn’t
entirely claim the band’s entire sound.
All three songs are enjoyable, but none
stand out in a particularly distinctive way. Granted that this is death metal,
that likely isn’t your primary concern. For that reason, while “Temptations of
the Flesh” isn’t the most unique EP around, it is still worth hearing. In
particular, fans of some of the really early death metal bands like Death and
Massacre will find a lot to enjoy on this album!
Be sure to check out and like Absolution on Facebook!
Highlights
All of it
Final Rating
3.5/5 or 70%.
Thanks for the review Scott! Anyone interested can listen for themselves here...
ReplyDeletehttps://absolution666.bandcamp.com/