Review of Welkin - Angel Inside

This actually came out awhile ago, but The Spew only just got it to us, and I’m not sure I’m that glad they sent it. Basic, simplistic chugging death metal from Belgium with nothing new to offer whatsoever, it’s mildly entertaining but nothing I’m going to listen to after this review is written. The first track “Angel Inside” offers a quick and dirty, promising glimpse into the entire album with a rumbling groovy opening riff, but other than “La Masquerada”, and “Wonderland” that sense of semi catchy groove is never revisited. Then bam! The album is over, little or no fanfare, impact of satisfaction, this is essentially the elevator version of death metal. You hear, you hum it, you forget it. The pacing of the album is fairly consistent and predictable, with no quasi experimentation other than the quirky samples that add that non serious vibe to some of the songs, and that clashes directly with some of the serious songs. “Ethereal Tides”, is the album’s slow, brooding cut, and to be honest, sounds a little out of place, despite its impressive gait. There’s a stout typically beefy European production, but the drums are a little flat. The use of some pretty unique samples add something a little different, but it doesn’t cover up the competent but predictable style. In a way though, it’s somewhat of a relief from the current wash of US blastcore that never lets up, but it never fully satisfies like county mates Aborted or In Quest. Vocally, the style is the same as the music; expectedly guttural and earthy, if you ignore the sudden Scott Ruth (Ripping Corpse, Dim Mak) impression vocalist Demis pulls off during “Sonic Death Monkey”. (Isn't that Jack Black's band in "High Fidelity"? That song title should really kind of enforce the awkward clash of metal humor and deathly serious topics that fill the album). A solid if unspectacular Euro-death album that loses its initial luster after a few listens. The energy is there but it doesn’t come across in the music, as it often seems like a chore to be playing for the band, even though they seem to be a pretty non serious bunch. “Angel Inside” is by no means a must have title, but may satiate those wanting a little more pacing in their death metal.

Release Details

Welkin

Angel Inside

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