Communion

Massive sounding Death-Metal

     

This album is a masterpiece from Greek DM band Septicflesh. A more accurate title for their sound might actually be 'symphonic death metal' as this album never sounds anything less than absolutely huge with its syncopated guitar riffing, immense vocals, tuneful arrangments and orchestral blasting. The production is amazingly clear and makes the instruments sound heavy and powerful. The drums are of the double-kick style and drive the songs, the guitar riffs are crunchy and very metal without being too complex and the bass lines are thick, compressed and very audible (which is a nice addition that makes a satisfying change from usual DM records). But where this record really shines is in the symphonic elements, and the atmosphere this provokes. From the title of the first song 'Lovercraft's Death' you can see where the band are coming from lyrically and atmospherically, and the vocalist delivers in both death and clean vocal styles, both of which sound great. Basically what you have here is a brilliantly realised album made up of nine powerful and unique songs (that are nicely concise too), and it really is a masterpiece that needs to be heard by anyone who likes DM heaviness mixed with musical and tuneful brilliance. This band is one of a kind!