Lifeless - Beyond The Threshold Of Death
Lifeless' debut salvo of an album opens exactly how it means to continue! With a blend of old school filthy death metal ala Entombed and Dismember. One would be forgiven for thinking these guys actually were Swedish because these guys say it loud and proud.... This is fucking old school. It's total Swedish death metal worship. But there's nothing wrong with that is there?! Granted we've heard it all before but..... do they do it well? I think yes but some might say it's ripped off. I say fuck 'em! "Imitation is the best form of Flattery", they say and I think here these guys pay homage to all things old school and Swedish bloody well. The production on this CD is so good and it's worth pointing out that, Vesa Kenttakumpa from legendary swedish deathsters, Evocation, mastered this. However it is let down by the over triggered toms. They just sound so separate to the mix and to these ears let down what would have been a sterling production.
One thing I will say is that these guys don't fuck around and they mean business in their song writing. The songs are simple and direct in structure but it is with this in mind that I find them most effective. For the vast majority of this recording the songs are mid paced with the odd burst of speed encrusted with some blast beats to spice the whole thing up abit. There is a little bit of melody throughout the whole record so its not all filthy. There are some nice lead lines which are quite haunting that compliments the whole recording and adds to the overall feel. Stand out tracks for me here are "Seed Of Hatred" and of course the title track is a blinder!!! A true homage to Swedish death metal even though these guys are from Germany. Another little gem from Ibex Moon crew.
One thing I will say is that these guys don't fuck around and they mean business in their song writing. The songs are simple and direct in structure but it is with this in mind that I find them most effective. For the vast majority of this recording the songs are mid paced with the odd burst of speed encrusted with some blast beats to spice the whole thing up abit. There is a little bit of melody throughout the whole record so its not all filthy. There are some nice lead lines which are quite haunting that compliments the whole recording and adds to the overall feel. Stand out tracks for me here are "Seed Of Hatred" and of course the title track is a blinder!!! A true homage to Swedish death metal even though these guys are from Germany. Another little gem from Ibex Moon crew.
1. Intro
2. Entombed In Unknown Graves
3. Retaliation
4. Seed Of Hatred
5. The Final Sacrifice
6. Beyond The Threshold Of Death
7. Under The Sign Of The Iron Cross
8. In The End... (Of Life)
