Disgorge "Parallels of Infinite Torture" CD
[Crash]
I've never been a big Disgorge fan (this is the American Disgorge, by the way), and this record, while competent, doesn't particularly change my mind. By now most are probably aware that their style is a brand of churning brutal death metal that shifts from chunky midpaced grooves to speedier picking patterns that are more in line with the classic 90's death metal sound, while vocals relentlessly deliver the type of guttural growls typically associated with the most extreme facets of the genre. I definitely dig their faster riffing, especially when they flirt with some dissonance, because I'm all for anything that hints at the thick, nasty, classic sound of the genre's roots, and I don't mind their groovier side as they don't take things too far. But at the same time, the overpopulation of annoying pinch harmonics and a generally jumbled style of songwriting that offers quick changes between riffs rather than powerfully transitioning along the way leaves things sounding similar to one another and kind of lessens the impact. The ultra slow break in "Abhorrent Desecration of Thee Iniquity" is fuckin' great, but they move along far too quickly and never come back to it - though admittedly the brief set of dissonant guitar textures, ambient noises, and reversed whispered vocals in "Forgotten Scriptures" provides a nice break in the monotony in its own right. "Descending Upon Convulsive Devourment" is more consistent in tempo and playing style, making for one of the more efficient compositions of the disc, followed closely by the title track. Meanwhile "Asphyxiation of Thee Oppressed" is the longest track at nearly six minutes, mixing up the tempos a little more fluidly than most of the songs and tossing in quick fits of discordant arpeggiated riffing that sounds awesome. The recording's pretty good. I feel like it needs a little tweaking, but for the most part I'm into it. The kick drums are a little too clicky but still manage to work out since the rest of the percussion sounds quite nice, while the guitars are a little muddy but definitely have a great texture that works well for the dense palm-muting rhythms. Despite lacking variety the low growls are mixed fairly well so as not to overpower the music, which is always admirable. I'd still like to hear the growls drop back in just a hint more so that the basslines could have more presence (you can barely hear the bass), but that's not a big deal, for the most part it actually sounds stronger than most of the death metal records that cross my path. The layout's fine as well. It looks like a death metal record and everything's handled to a decent degree of quality. Like the music, the lyrics are a wordy tribute to classic death metal, exploring concepts of hatred, violence, and antichristian attacks: "Visions beyond defamation, Blistering carcass of ungodly ruin, The offerance of hatred, legions of carrion, Horrific trinity is demised, wretched incantations, Torment of disfigurement..." In the end this is one that I'm sure will please longtime fans of the band as well as diehard death metal fans in general. There's certainly an air of quality to it and the band remains steadfast to the traditions of the genre, which I respect. The songwriting would need to push for a little more variety or force to really impress me, so I get a little bored listening to the disc in its entirety, but... it is what it is, and that's not such a bad thing in this case. (6/10)
Running time - 43:52, Tracks: 10
[Notable tracks: Descending Upon Convulsive Devourment, Parallels of Infinite Torture, Asphyxiation of Thee Oppressed]
Crash Music - http://www.crashmusicinc.com

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