Amoricide
Give Me Metal or Give me Death
3.5
I don't like reviewing demos and I'll tell you why. The purpose of a review is to give the people looking to purchase something an idea of what they are getting for their money, with some hint at the quality of the content. It's a service you perform for consumers, and if used correctly, it's a valuable tool in the decision making process. But not many people actually buy demos. Demos, at least as I always considered them, are what a band sends around to record labels and venues to get work. They give people some idea of what they can do. These are not for entertainment. I have made a couple, but mostly what I have made were more like underground records. A venue or record company could use them to get to know us, sure, but we also expected people to buy it for what it was; a cheap record. You can only do so much on a budget, but if you are serious about having people buy it, you at least have to make an effort to be as professional as possible in both sound and performance. Even if you suck, as I did.
No one should want to buy a demo. I know they have a certain charm and collectability, especially if the band does get signed, but honestly, they aren't very good as a rule. And that's not their purpose, so it's OK. It's understood that a demo is just to get the shit out there, not to impress, but to get attention. SO how do I review a real demo like this one? I can't recommend anyone go out and buy it. It sounds like shit. It sounds like it was recorded on a boombox in the band's bedroom. It's not an enjoyable listening experience.
So I guess it comes down to maybe constructive criticism for the band. But why would the general metal public want to read that? It's a conundrum. But it's my assignment, so I will go for it.
First off, it doesn't cost that much to make a decent recording. My coworker is doing it with a personal computer and some borrowed mixing equipment. He brings in CDs of their rehearsals that sound better than your demo. Now, I get that you may simply not be able to swing that shit, but it would be a plus.
More importantly though, the songs are just not that great. They may have been 15 years ago, but there is a reason people move on. You need to develop something unique to your style. It's not bad, it's just a little too average and dated. The singer needs to decide if he is going to be on key when he sings melodically. He growls good, but he is all over the place when he sings, and it's not helping.
Drummer and bassist, you guys really REALLY need to get your fills and transitions tighter. If I were some weak assed record company fucker, I would toss your demo for this reason alone. Nothing kills a song faster than a slightly miss-timed drum fill, or missing your cues. Even on the badly recorded demo, that would make a world of difference. I can hear that you have the chops, so it's just a question of working on it.
Guitarists, I couldn't hear your solos worth a shit, but you seemed to be competent. Your rhythm work is quite good, but you need to be sure you are conveying things to the rhythm section more clearly. That could be why they are missing their marks.
Bottom Line: Man, I hated that. If you are a band member, stick with it, work your asses off and tighten up the transitions. If you are a metal listener, just...do whatever. Good luck.
