Perpetual Suffering
Self Titled (Re-Release)
5
Pretty standard-issue garage black metal we have here. Usually I would point out that such a group have potential and should be watched in case they end up surpassing their current output, but since Perpetual Suffering are split-up, I can’t even say that. This album is a reissue, which made me assume that this was some kind of underground classic that I had missed out on, although this guess belied the actual listening experience that I had.
Indeed, my assumption was far from accurate, as Perpetual Suffering basically sound like any other amateur band aping the Norwegian style; a bit of Dissection-esque riffing is attempted, but none of the melodic ideas really hold up too well or go anywhere. Add sloppy drumming, which often adds character, but here pretty much kills the whole thing, and, on the whole, extremely dull compositions, and you have the album that’s up for review. The playing all sounds heartfelt and energetic, it just doesn’t really grab the listener.
Sure, there are good parts to be found on this self-titled disc, and it’s far from unlistenable, but like a lot of black metal, it’s more suited for background music than something that one would actually sit down and listen to. If you want a bit of harsh, fast music playing through your computer speakers while you sit refreshing the www.metalreview.com front page in the hope that an update will occur, perhaps Perpetual Suffering would be a good selection. Otherwise, one would do well the overlook this recording in favor of the many better releases that are available. Perpetual Suffering aren’t bad, they’re just rather average, and that’s where they lost me.
