Usurper
Twilight Dominion
6.8
I've read Usurper's "Twilight Dominion" compared to Testament, Exodus and Slayer. I must say that, in my opinion, none of the comparisons to these legendary bands are very accurate. The music is much more of a combination of black, speed and death metal. Very none technical, unlike Testament. It has no blazing leads like Testament or Exodus. It certainly doesn't have the same sound or type of energy that Exodus has. It also has no epic single note type riffs like Slayer. In fact, I really don't hear much that would lead me to make those same comparisons. I would say it's more a combination of Celtic Frost and Benediction. Basically, if Celtic Frost were still going today, I would imagine them sounding something like Usurper's "Twilight Dominion". Only thing is, Usurper sounds to me like it's 15 years too late and is basically a knock off of Celtic Frost combined with more speed and double bass drumming. I mean, the vocalist is basically copying Tom G. Warrior through much of the album. This goes beyond having a similar voice. In fact, the repeated grunts and "ooohs" might as well have been taken directly from a Celtic Frost album. It's pretty cool when Tom G. Warrior does it, but it's not the same when others attempt to mimic him this closely. The guitars are also reminiscent of Celtic Frost. Simplistic riffs with a similar tone. Although the guitars have a little heavier tone more in line with Benediction. The drums however, are more of the speed metal variety. There's a lot of double-bass and much of it is pretty quick. Now I'm not trying to give the total impression that these guys are a rip-off. They do bring some of their own sound to the forefront, but they tread in nearly the same footsteps that others have made. Overall it's a decent listen. The sound is tight with a very good vocal, kick and guitar sound. The problem I had was with the lack of cymbals and toms in the mix. Especially the cymbals. If I'd never heard Celtic Frost I would probably like this album more. But as it is, I find it a bit lacking in originality.
Related
UsurperCryptobeast
2/16/2005