Sunday, August 7, 2011

Denial - Catacombs of the Grotesque

It's time to head south of the border again, and I'm not talking about yo mama's loins either.  Nope, it's for down-home, old-fashioned Death Metal fare.  This album has been making the rounds on many a blog recently, and rightfully so, as it's quite fresh sounding.  I know the words "fresh" and "old-fashioned" seem contradictory, but just trust me on this.  What stands out to me is their use of auditory "space" and instrumental restraint.  You see, most extreme bands have one speed: fast; having every instrument at full-bore at all times.  That mindset makes for incredibly boring and "flat" sounding music.  Denial don't fall into this trap, they allow time for "breathing-room" for you to better appreciate the faster parts. 
 
The production is another standout, especially for a debut album from Mexico.  The overall sound is huge and lush with a nice "roundess".  Vocals and guitars are properly deep and bassy without any "boominess".  There's some nice atmosphere during the breaks too.  The drums are a little too low in the mix, but they still cut through.  These guys walk serveral fine lines, but the result is a unique, heavy, and still listenable album.
 
         

rectal void of darkness

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