Absolution – Temptations of the Flesh

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!

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Highlights

All of it

Final Rating

3.5/5 or 70%. 

Written by Scott