Death is June - Mouth of Madness : "Event Horizon"

 

There is an old-school vibe to this  German death metal band's debut. There is black metal influence without having to call this blackened death metal. The aggression of death metal is the primary focal energy source driving this tank into battle. They do use the buzzing tension of black metal to set the mood at times, and are a little darker than your average death metal band. But just one tremolo-picked riff does not make something black metal. The harsh rasp of the vocals at the balls to its commanding narrative rather than just being abject screams of torment. The lyrics are punched out and articulated more of than not. 

"At the Heart of the Unknown" might not have as many twists and turns as the previous song, but is still effective. "Worms" features hookier songwriting that draws influences from the intersection of the 80s, when death metal emerged from thrash, with bands like Possessed and Kreator. There is a great deal of groove on this one that makes it a more worthwhile listen than just being pounded by rapid-fire riffs. "Fireborn" emerges from the early 90s flavored death metal, with the buzz of their black metal influences circling like a halo of flies. There are touches of melody merged with this as the song draws out. "Massan" is more of a straightforward speed rager, though textured in a way that allows the song to breathe.

The last song is just an extended drone of synth ambiance. It works as an outro, but at almost five minutes seems a bit excessive. I like where these guys are going, and wish this album gave a more comprehensive listen at what they are capable of beyond, coming from this era of death metal, as there are hints at wnating to be more, so for that reason I will round this down to an 8.5, though that still sits it along side the year's better death metal releases. 

4.6 

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