Foretold - In Rotting Memory
It takes some very low budget production in distribution to produe an EP without an album cover; most likely it was distributed in a plain CD sleeve. However, don't let the low budget ideal fool you; Foretold is no amateur garage band. While the sound on their EP is raw and grim, it's raw and grim in the sense of how death metal should be, and not in the sense that the musicians were cheap and made their sessions in a garage. Much of the music here is groove laden, mid paced, and as biting as the music of Cannibal Corpse of Six Feet Under.
In Rotting Memory begins with "Path Of Misery" which focuses on a slow, rhythmic chug with the drums tapping away in the background versus obliterating hammering as some death metal bands do. The vocals are growled yes, but with more of a rumbling tone that adds a unique gargle to the death metal music. Plus, it's very understandable as everything is simple and slow. Don't expect much in the way of complexity from Foretold; much of the song is the same two or three riffs over and over. At least it is catchy. "In Rotting Memory" seems to be a tribute to a woman named Beatrice Wharton, following a slightly similar song structure to the earlier track, but the pace picks up a bit and there is more inclusion of the second guitarist, along with the drums being a bit more audible than just mere taps. Still, it's still repetitive riffs with little technicality or solos. "Tales From The Nordic Lands" finally does a bit more than just slow, steady riffing over growls. The tone of the music pays tribute to some of the more melodic death metal bands out there such as Amon Amarth or Kamalah, even though there's no use of keyboards or any epic choruses. The music is still very 'Foretold' with the vocals and ability to keep the song structure as simple as possible. "Cursed" slows things down again; the vocals are just rumbling, almost funeral doom metal heaves while a single guitarist focuses on delivering the notes, backed every once in a while by his counterpart. Most certainly worthy of being called doom metal for the depressed atmosphere and lack of groove. The EP closes with "The Plague" which kicks things back into death metal territory with the use of blast beats, a faster tempo, and an increase in the growling used. By far this is the closest thing a fan will get to hearing death metal with a lot of vibrant energy as most of the other tracks are kind of stagnant. The guitars are still plodding along though in their simplicity, but the drums finally show some life in their efforts to bang away.
Foretold is certainly not going for breakneck speed and overwhelming fury with their music. Instead, their EP is laid back, dark, and evil, embracing the quieter parts of death metal with influences from death-doom metal. You probably won't see these guys on the Summer Slaughter Tour or at Headbangers' Ball, but they've got enough intensity in their form to be considered likeable death metal to tour with bands such as Torture Killer, Resurrecturis, or Morbid Angel. Certainly for anyone who likes a lot of groove served with their death.
In Rotting Memory begins with "Path Of Misery" which focuses on a slow, rhythmic chug with the drums tapping away in the background versus obliterating hammering as some death metal bands do. The vocals are growled yes, but with more of a rumbling tone that adds a unique gargle to the death metal music. Plus, it's very understandable as everything is simple and slow. Don't expect much in the way of complexity from Foretold; much of the song is the same two or three riffs over and over. At least it is catchy. "In Rotting Memory" seems to be a tribute to a woman named Beatrice Wharton, following a slightly similar song structure to the earlier track, but the pace picks up a bit and there is more inclusion of the second guitarist, along with the drums being a bit more audible than just mere taps. Still, it's still repetitive riffs with little technicality or solos. "Tales From The Nordic Lands" finally does a bit more than just slow, steady riffing over growls. The tone of the music pays tribute to some of the more melodic death metal bands out there such as Amon Amarth or Kamalah, even though there's no use of keyboards or any epic choruses. The music is still very 'Foretold' with the vocals and ability to keep the song structure as simple as possible. "Cursed" slows things down again; the vocals are just rumbling, almost funeral doom metal heaves while a single guitarist focuses on delivering the notes, backed every once in a while by his counterpart. Most certainly worthy of being called doom metal for the depressed atmosphere and lack of groove. The EP closes with "The Plague" which kicks things back into death metal territory with the use of blast beats, a faster tempo, and an increase in the growling used. By far this is the closest thing a fan will get to hearing death metal with a lot of vibrant energy as most of the other tracks are kind of stagnant. The guitars are still plodding along though in their simplicity, but the drums finally show some life in their efforts to bang away.
Foretold is certainly not going for breakneck speed and overwhelming fury with their music. Instead, their EP is laid back, dark, and evil, embracing the quieter parts of death metal with influences from death-doom metal. You probably won't see these guys on the Summer Slaughter Tour or at Headbangers' Ball, but they've got enough intensity in their form to be considered likeable death metal to tour with bands such as Torture Killer, Resurrecturis, or Morbid Angel. Certainly for anyone who likes a lot of groove served with their death.
- Path Of Misery
- In Rotting Memory
- Tales From The Nordic Lands
- Cursed
- The Plague
Self released
Reviewer: Colin McNamara
May 21, 2010
May 21, 2010
Next review:
Nechochwen - Azimuths To The Otherworld
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