Death is June - Phlebotomized : "Clouds of Confusion"

 

The band from the Netherlands is interesting as in some way they conform to the conform to the status quo of death metal, and in other ways they deviate. The low growled vocals being the most solidifying element bonding them to being a death metal band. They are not huge on hitting you with a ton of speed which I can appreciate.  Not to say they are devoid of speed as they step on the gas when it comes to "Destined to be Killed" which despite the odd angular bits hanging from the edges is the most straight forward death metal moment so far. They bring enough groove to hook me in, and do not try to hammer you with obnoxiously abrasive elements. 

They hit with harder syncopation on "Pillar of Fire". With three guitarists in the band there is never a shortage of guitar harmonies or solos. Both synths and clean vocals are used very tastefully here and avoid the tropes of both. The synths at times do create a feel of more symphonic grandiosity that can be felt heavier midway into the album. This is also about the same time you need to have at least an appreciation for guitar solos as they begin to become more plentiful. Not at the sake of using the song as bookends for them, but more solo than the average death metal band that might focus more on brutality. I appreciate their melodic sense that keeps them from falling in that trap. 

"A Unity Your Messiah Pre-Claimed" starts off with a more deliberate groove that is more effective than when they take things to hyper-brisk thrashing. The last two songs finds them falling into more of a technical middle of the road sound that the synths do little to help them steer clear of, there are few cool riffs in the last song in particular but they begin to fade into the background here. I will give this album an 8 if you want death metal with symphonic and progressive leanings then this album is worth your time.