Demonic Resurrection – Frozen Portrait
Having heard the live version before this, I have to say that I am extremely disappointed with this studio version. The sound is absolutely power metallish, something that was not at all apparent when I heard them live. Sahil’s vocals also sound very strange on this track, for some reason he has decided to replace the growls in the live versions with attempted shrieks, something that has clearly not worked. Music wise, in terms of originality they have done a good job, although I would say that the use of keys seems a little unnecessary at times. They can surely make more judicious use of the keys in their self-compos.
Acrid Semblance – Burning the Ashes
This is one band I have followed very carefully since their "Soul Corrosion" release a couple of years back. Burning the Ashes is a well-structured song, again very reminiscent of most COB songs especially due to the use of the keys, which have been used very well. Like their earlier tracks, this track also has extensive and well-composed leads that add a very nice melodic touch to it. The recording is quite weak on this cd though, which makes it a little difficult to hear Anubhav’s vocals.
Exhumation – Among the Dead
I first heard this track on the web earlier this year and developed an immediate liking for the same. Frankly speaking, for a new listener it’s impossible to say that this is an Indian band!! The sound is absolutely awesome, the guitars have that perfect death metal tone, and Aditya’s vocals are a perfect match to the music. Yash too is impressive on the drums. Recording has been absolutely immaculate as well. They have a nice horror movie intro as well!!
IIIrd Sovereign – Face of Despair
These guys from Mizoram impressed many at Resurrection ‘ Mumbai. I find their music a lot in the veins of Carcass. Guitars are not as heavy as one would expect from a death metal band, but they have used it very well nevertheless with the drums and Mala’s powerful vocals. Reuben is very tight on the drums on this track. Having heard these guys live, I can say that Mala is a very versatile vocalist and is able to modulate his voice very well. Overall an impressive performance by this band, would have been even better had the recording been upto the mark.
MyndSnare – Layers of Hypocrisy, Temporal Movements (Live)
I find each MyndSnare track unique in a lot of ways. This track was earlier released as a part of their demo. I love the intro to this track, from which both KP and Yasmin really pick up the speed very well. Overall the song structure is quite good, and KP’s vocals sound impressive on this track. The drums are equally up to the task, something we have come to expect from Yasmin!! Death fans will dig this track.
Shrapnel – Futile
This is the first time I heard Shrapnel. The music is very nice, especially the lead portions but unfortunately the vocals are a major let down. Everything else is very good on this track, they have composed the track very well. Guitars have a nice crunchy sound, something that I liked. They have certainly stuck to their claim of playing Melodic heavy metal, the music certainly is very melodic with impressive leads.
Towards the end, they have also tried to lend a doomy feel to the song, and have managed to do quite a good job at the same. However, Deepak Rao, the vocalist has tried to sing at a high scale throughout the song and has not succeeded at all in doing the same and at some stages has lagged behind the music.
Reptilian Death – Reptlian Death
The CD inlay says that Reptilian Death plays "Humor" metal. Frankly speaking it’s nothing more!! Think of what happens if you try and play an Aerosmith track and have the Kataklysm drummer playing the drums!! The drum programming has simply ruined it all!! Seems to me that drum parts have just been cut n pasted without any thought whatsoever. There is absolutely no relation between the music and the drums. Double bass has been used as fill ins and sounds pathetic. Is Sahil just having fun??
Narsil – Death Comprehendez
Narsil, a side project of Acrid semblance, redefines black-death sound. A dark haunting intro paves way, for an extremely aggressive zyklon styled riffing. Anubhav (AS) gels the impact with captivating high pitched elongated shrieky vocal chords (something close to Emperor’s style). Down and up shifting of speed gears are wonderfully crafted, pinch harmonics and guitar duo crunch enhances the technical expertise the band showcases. Ample darkness throng’s you around when band is slowing down things and while exiting. This is close to a natural black experience, no keyboard symphonies, no unnecessary chorus, and no guest vocal appearances. Quite genuine! Surprising three piece
Black Hole Theory – God Fears Me
Brutal vocals but sound very artificial. The music is very bland as well, the same riffs have been replicated over and over again. There is a clear lack of innovation in this track and this has made this track very monotonous. Drums seem to have been programmed, and hence sound a little artificial as well. Guitars also lack that punch.
Demonstealer – Blood Vengeance
The worst track on this compilation, closely followed by its "Humor" metal counterpart.
Just don’t understand why Sahil has to change his singing style and/or get other guys to sing for him!! This track sounds terribly immature, can’t figure out what they have tried to achieve.
Grey – Severed Dreams
Delhi based guitarist Anupam’s solo project grey, play traditional black metal. Remaining extremely near to their influences Immortal and burzum, The vocal difference is noticeable as they are shabby, grey, lung blasting and non-routine. Though defining themselves as atmospheric seems too clichéd. However the interlude segment that takes the song to the final phase tries to live up the best with their self-proclamation as atmospheric black. The drumming on the song is programmed but is well sought out. All an all it produces a bruising, underground feel! Nice experimentation!
Exhumation – The Awakening
This is an instrumental by the band. Very impressive work, and reminds me of old Cannibal Corpse (Tomb of the Mutilated). Guitars and drums blend beautifully to create that nice old school death metal touch to it.
Demonic Resurrection – A Darkness Descends
Just as frozen portrait this was a big let down. The live version was much better. I dunno who’s done the intro vocals, but they are quite bad. They have tried to get that high-pitched voice effect, something that has not worked. The vocals are still better on this track, as Sahil has stuck to the conventional growls this time around. The keys have been used well, creating a nice effect, indicative of the band’s influences like Dimmu Borgir. One reason for the live version being so much better than this studio version might be coz of JP’s presence. The programmed drums have not had the same effect here. Originality wise, I would rate this track highly.
Kryptos ‘ Forgotten Land of Ice, Altered Destinies (Live)
The Bangalore based outfit actually obliges the cd, as they are the most mature, professional and original band on the compilation. They appear with ‘forgotten land of ice’ and ‘altered destinies’ (live) taken from their debut album ‘spiral ascent’. The band proves with both the songs that they are miles ahead of the crop. Others will have to do a lot of catching up to actually create a unique sound and feel. Their old school thrash approach with a blend of dark background symphony is quite an improvisation. Ganesh’s throat pierces your eardrums throughout the song spinning. And, thankfully we have Ryan playing on both the songs, which is a relief considering the number of bands using drum programming on the album. And as the band says ‘its heavy metal with a twist’. Listen and enjoy!