Divine Decay
Maximize The Misery
6.4
So, now, what is this? Straightforward, hack and slash riffing off muted root notes, simple drumming and a singer that sounds...well, like your next door neighbor's dad. Well that's the image that comes to my mind. I am not even sure why, exactly. This is probably some kind of Melodeath, although it could pass for simplistic Power Metal - comparatively simplistic, mind you. These guys are tight, even if they aren't really doing anything that would throw anyone with musical chops off. Anyway, the singer; heard Darkaane? Maybe he reminds me of that feller, but without quite so much personality. He has tone, but also lacks it. He is not a screamer or shouter, but he's not exactly clean, either. He has that kind of strange voice that sounds off key whether it is or not. And it's always the same. No emotional delineation. The thing is, I can't really say I don't like it. That is the theme for my review, I guess. This music is not making me want to start another one of my go-nowhere bands in my enthusiasm, but it's also keeping me with it. It's not fast, nor is it slow. It has little groove, and not much venom. It doesn't really sound that different from a lot of other thrashy, melodic bands, but I'm in no hurry to take it out of the player either. The songs are good, old sounding rockers with hardcore shouty chorus accents. This is driving music, or working music, the stuff you put on when you are doing something that doesn't require your full attention but that you still have to be able to keep track of. The production isn't starting any fires, either. The guitars are WAY up in the mix, and while they are texturally average, they are crunchy and loud enough to feel edgy. The drums are also average sounding, with a clean sound that is a bit lifeless. Considering how often the drummer relies on basic beats it could have benefited from some "dirt". Bass player? I'm sure there is one. It's becoming a mantra, but I can't hear it so much as feel it, so I can't tell you if he is any good. But he certainly isn't in anything's way. It gels, though. It's a nice job. The real question in all this is: Is "Nice" what you want to hear about a metal act? Bottom Line: this CD is a bit too safe. They found a nice mix, a nice vibe, had some good songs and performed them with a reasonable amount of energy and execution. There is nothing on here to offend a metalhead and it's just good enough to actively enjoy. BUT, there is a real intriguing record lurking here somewhere, pining for some bile and corrosion to set it free. I may listen to this again, but I want better from this band.
