Originally published in ‘zine issue #28, 2003
Antigama promo rehearsal 2003
An interesting band for one reason because it’s difficult to get a handle on it, Antigama from Poland creates moods with its songs. The rough production adds to the moody effect since the guitar and bass aren’t distinct in the mix and so have an eerie feel. The guitar and bass and drums tumble over each other and seem to swirl around in ovals, knocking the abrasive, riffy music and raspy, yelled vocals out on the CD-R. Antigama has a fresh sound … I’m not sure whether I like it or not, but it’s not the same as everyone else at least. And finally there’s an awesome Godflesh cover too, from the Selfless album. They did a good job of capturing that band’s atmosphere. (Poland)
(by Editor) ■

The End Transfer Trachea Reverberations From Point: False Omniscent
(Relapse)
Let me sum this record up first and then detail my assertions. This is a good release but not a great release. This is a good band but not a great band. And unfortunately, at times The End bite off more than they can chew on this debut CD. That being said, let’s talk about some of the good things this band does. The End is at its best when the band churns out driving, twisting, odd time rhythms and grooves. In fact that’s one of the best things about the CD. The mid-tempo parts aren’t just moshy. They groove hard and move the music forward. In the opening track, “Her (Inamorata)”, we get a really nice abstract bass solo which reminds me of Lethargy. More of this is what is going to ultimately distinguish The End from the many bands who are creating chaotic technical metalcore in the wake of Dillinger Escape Plan’s success. What isn’t good about this CD? The End does not play melodies very well, in my opinion. They simply are not tight with their melodic playing. The result is that you find yourself feeling like they are hacks. And it’s not that they actually are hacks, but the stakes are high when you play music that requires such a high degree of musicianship. I think if they keep practicing and thinking, the next work will be at the very least much better if not absolutely wonderful. If you are into metalcore with technical playing, I do urge you to check this out. But if you are a tech metal freak you might be disappointed. In that case, stick with your Spiral Architect CD.
(by Forbes Graham) ■

The Haunted One Kill Wonder
(Earache)
The previous album, Made Me Do It: less raw than the first album, but more streamlined, listener-friendly metal. The first [self-titled] album was better. One Kill Wonder: poor-sounding metalcore. I don’t have time to check out this band anymore. This is not a metal album. It is laudable for The Haunted to try new things, but the guitar tone and the drum sound are much more of a hardcore nature and the songs themselves seem as though they were written to introduce metal aspects into a hardcore format.
(by J.C.) ■

Leviathan The Tenth Sub Level of Suicide
(Moribund)
We have here Leviathan’s first official album for mass consumption, after independently releasing 15-plus CD-R albums and a two-disc collection (Tumult Records). Some output, huh? Yep yep, congrats to this one-man-banded fellow who, as quoted in Blackmoon Eclipse #3, “just does it all for the fans.” Well, if you’re looking for dreary and depressing black metal with extremely weak production, then look no further. The album is designed to make you feel dismal and grey (bored), with endless blastbeats, screeching guitars, and moaning, wailing vocals. All recorded so typically shitty! But I’m sure to some readers this all sounds just great. I mean, somebody likes this stuff, right? The phrases annoying, yawn, and four-foot stuffed banana come to mind. Accept no substitues!
(by Adam Perry) ■

Usurper Twilight Dominion
(Earache)
This is a violent death metal attack, 12 songs in 2 movements. It sounds like a Nazi battleship reincarnated as a CD, and damn it, that’s a good thing! Usurper is playing here a perfect cross between death metal and classic heavy metal, which means it pummels with double bass and growling vox and it has killer riffs and hooks which bear repeated listening. Their execution is flawless. The best thing is that the album is sequenced well as a whole, with strong cuts one after another. Production wise it is crisp, clear, and mastered LOUD! I recommend it to anyone reading this ‘zine; you need a shock to your comatose brains, and this album will certainly do a number on you fuckers. Fuck.
(by Adam Perry) ■

Very Metal Hit and Run
(Beer City)
14 songs of drunk punk to make you want to nail four metal stars through your forehead. Or make you get out your Negative Approach and Reagan Youth records and start really having a ball. All in all, it’s alright but no way I’d pay for it, so thanks, Beer City! Next.
(by Adam Perry) ■

Witch-Hunt Souls Enshrouded Fire
(X-Rated)
Pretty cool debut release from this duo of black/death metallers from the USA. A solid eight-track album with a heavy dose of Swedish melodic metal, rolling along at a mid-paced tempo with a few blast beats here and there. Definitely more on the metal side which is awesome. Both death growling and decent black metal screeching are present and it’s a good combination here. The use of female vocals and keyboards could have been left out for the better, just because the music/production is too raw for the atmospheric qualities to come across. In a way it’s part of the charm, though, so it ain’t that bad. Riff-wise it’s nothing special but hey, I hear potential and they probably have something even better out by now; this album came out in 2000 (no deadlines here at D.U.). I’m sure by now this album is hard to find, so pick it up used if you see it. Just look for the album with the naked woman surrounded by the fires of hell on the cover! SPECIAL NOTE: Notice I said eight tracks. It’s actually nine but I don’t count these crappy Casio keyboard interludes on albums because they’re not songs. They’re fucking garbage and nobody likes them, okay? So bands, just fuckin’ stop it already! If I want to hear this stuff I’ll go get a “Scary Halloween Sounds” CD from the party shop! Thanks, fuckers. Now go buy the album.
(by Adam Perry) ■




