Acrania - An Uncertain Collision

For about two years now, I've been waiting for a band that combines my favorite sub-genre (Death Metal) with my favorite woodwind (Saxophone).  That band has finally arrived.  Acrania are actually a diverse Metal/Jazz hybrid with influnces reaching far back into Mexico's ethnic history as well as modern Metal that most of us grew up with.  This isn't just a regular Death Metal band with some sax solos (although that would be pretty sweet).  An Uncertain Collision is primarily driven by Jazz and latino rhythm styles that create a very loose feel, almost danceable.  The multi-layered drumming is also incredible, so good that it slightly overshadows the rest of the band.  But that's ok, as I'm sure we've all heard enough metronomic blast-beats to last us the rest of our lives.  Not just some nerdy white guy talking about "exotic" far away cultures that he's only read about, Acrania are the real deal, showcasing their own musical heritage.

it's in the trees, it's coming!

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

The Chasm - The Spell of Retribution

Where do I start with this band?  Probably the most underrated band in Death Metal.  Not surprising when you figure that, for most of their career, they had no U.S. distribution until Earache this gem in 2004.  I've had the privilege of seeing these guys live three times, which is a rarity outside of the midwest, and each time was just as good as the last. 

They consider themselves an old-school Death Metal band, but to describe them as just that would be far too simple.  I would say they're a Black/Death hybrid that happens to be super melodic.  No one, including themselves, ever give them credit for how melodic they really are, but they're really the closest thing Mexico has to Dissection.  Their supply of leads and riffs seems to be endless, with some songs approaching 10 minutes.  Surprisingly, the overall feel is a bit subdued, not quite as epic and bombastic as their Swede contemporaries, but hey, nobody's perfect.  Basically, if you're a sucker for this style like I am, you should really enjoy this

link from frownedupon (R.I.P.)