Tremors - Frozen Shores
Tremors briefly made their mark on the metal map with their debut album back in 2002 before disappearing almost altogether, save for popping up every once in a while with shows and an EP, but not much to really garner their attention. Then they were silent for about five years without a blip on the radar since 2006... until now. Whatever they've been up to in hibernation, it is a well placed move. Back, and better than ever, Tremors unleash their sophomore album and it is a great improvement since their debut. Catchy, heavy death metal that not only features a lot of groove and decent production, but plenty of atmosphere provided through keyboards and other elements. This is all some pretty decent death rock, and for those who think that death rock is modled and restricted solely to bands like Six Feet Under, Debauchery, or Torture Killer are about to learn a great lesson. What Tremors do best in their music is instead of just creating repetitive, catchy riffs, over and over, they also create complex musical structures and wonderful layerings of sound, such as the piano bridge on "Graveyard For My Friends" along with the female vocals in the background. It's unique and very effective that helps separate the music on 'Frozen Shores' from a lot of other death metal bands who don't delve into this kind of territory. If one could compare Tremors to anything, consider it a more melodic or gothic version of Sweden's Hypocrisy, also known for their catchy melodic death metal and throaty vocals that are not under or over produced.
Some tracks are more straightforward death metal such as "Ash," which generally just features the typical chugging rhythm that can sometimes be repetitive, but at the same time that's why people like death rock: repetitive, enjoyable, groove. It is very infectious and heavy, and furthermore it works because it isn't repeated again in another track. On the other hand, a track like "Down" is fully atmospheric, starting out with soft keyboard/ piano before picking up with lengthy, almost doom metal patterned chugs that crunch along. However, the keyboards are almost always present in the background as a symphonic backdrop, so that gives fans the other side of Tremors' style. The Deep Purple cover is about as basic as one can get with death rock n' roll, but the band has an excuse as they try to keep it as original as possible while giving the vocals the growling makeover. And even though some might consider this the most 'generic' track on the album, it still sounds very well done. For death metal fans all around, 'Frozen Shores' is an excellent piece that should be explored for those who like their metal catchy and also slightly meditative while still remaining extremely heavy and dark.
Some tracks are more straightforward death metal such as "Ash," which generally just features the typical chugging rhythm that can sometimes be repetitive, but at the same time that's why people like death rock: repetitive, enjoyable, groove. It is very infectious and heavy, and furthermore it works because it isn't repeated again in another track. On the other hand, a track like "Down" is fully atmospheric, starting out with soft keyboard/ piano before picking up with lengthy, almost doom metal patterned chugs that crunch along. However, the keyboards are almost always present in the background as a symphonic backdrop, so that gives fans the other side of Tremors' style. The Deep Purple cover is about as basic as one can get with death rock n' roll, but the band has an excuse as they try to keep it as original as possible while giving the vocals the growling makeover. And even though some might consider this the most 'generic' track on the album, it still sounds very well done. For death metal fans all around, 'Frozen Shores' is an excellent piece that should be explored for those who like their metal catchy and also slightly meditative while still remaining extremely heavy and dark.
- Voice I Seven I Suns
- Graveyard For My Friends
- My Darkest Hour
- Come Undone
- Ash
- Frozen Shores
- Re-Ani-Mate
- The Procession
- Return & Unify
- Down
- Grey
- Perfect Strangers (cover Deep Purple)
Reviewer: Colin McNamara
Jun 12, 2011
Jun 12, 2011
Next review:
Old Wainds - Where The Snows Are Never Gone
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