Domicile
As I Choke On The Ashes
7.5
I’m well aware of the fact that to secure a record deal these days, a group of musicians need only possess instruments and recording equipment. Talent is frequently missing from the equation, due to the multitude of obscure labels willing to distribute just about any release. Sure, there are plenty of high-quality unsigned bands, but more often than not there is a reason that a group has not been picked up by a label. That’s why I didn’t have high hopes when I signed up to review the latest disc that had showed up at the MetalReview headquarters, a self-released recording with wretched cover art by a band whose name means “residence.” As usual, my assumptions proved wildly inaccurate. Domicile blend thrash, hardcore, and death metal, and there is also a slight black metal influence in the manner in which vocalist Fred Young delivers his lines. I apologize in advance for the following pun: As I Choke On The Ashes is a mixed bag with a certain amount of forgettable material, but there is plenty worth writing home about.
My biggest complaint about this album is that it takes a while to get underway. The opening track, “Selfless Destroyer,” is not especially impressive, mainly because it relies on a melody that doesn’t really fit with the vocal style. Musically, this track is a bit sedate, while the next one sounds too much like hardcore. I only realized that there was something here worth paying attention to when the opening notes of the third track, “Let Out,” exited my speakers. This number, and excellent mid-paced thrash workout in the vein of Pantera, is a change from the preceding cuts. It is no fluke either; the album continues in a similar manner, and exceeds the expectations that I had set for it based on the introductory tracks. What stands out about this release is the excellent juxtaposition of dark melodies with groove-oriented thrash. This is good, solid heavy metal.
Guitarist Mike Nagorsky is an adept player who comes up with crunchy rhythms throughout the disc, while drummer Louie Rice performs well and hits the skins with confidence, playing tasteful beats that compliment the guitar work. Both members clearly draw a big influence from Pantera, and their styles and tones reflect this influence. However, nothing seems like an outright imitation. Bassist Joe Innerbrickler holds down the low end with aplomb, following Nagorsky’s six string material. The band’s aforementioned vocalist, Fred Young, has a pretty versatile voice, which he varies between a shriek and a gruff lower range shout. These aren’t death metal vocals, however, and I find them reasonably comprehensible. The production is clear and professional, and it allows each member to be heard with clarity.
Domicile is solid, above-average, mid-tempo thrash with memorable hooks. I’m not going to recommend that you drop everything and immediately purchase this CD, but if you are into the style, you may want to hunt down a copy and give the band a listen. If Domicile eliminates filler tracks from its next album and hires a new cover artist, they might get some serious attention within the scene.
