Heads For the Dead :" In The Absence Of Faith"

Horror themed death metal...I think I will. The first guitar melody that opens the album is one the brighter side. There is a Bloodbath vibe when it comes to the growl of the vocals. The more melodic guitar parts are layer in the verses. Things break down in a theatrical manner. This German band makes good use of symphonic synths and sound big without losing their edge. This is not their first gore fest as these guys have played in Wombbath, Sentient Horror and Revel in Flesh.  The second song finds them dig into things in a more straight forward fashion that is heavier than it is dark though a little creepiness lingers. They continue to use the keyboards to their advantage. At times reminding me of Nocturnus. Though the guitar work is more rooted in melody than chaos. 

Possession movies are obviously the inspiration here as the religious tones of choirs and soundtrack tinged hymns flourish around "the God Forsaken". There is a great guitar solo on this song, if you are into that kind of thing, it adds to the song, which says a great deal since I am normally not that impressed by solos. They do relent to speed at times on this one, which works to contrast the more deliberate moments, but sounds like they were defaulting to it. Despite it's melodic beginnings "Self Immolation" gallops into becoming pretty much what you expect from metal. There are moments where the speed might be best tempered with a little more restraint. 

"Possession" starts off with the riff from Mike Oldfeild's "Tubular Bells" which you know as the theme to the Exorcist. It's mid paced and works off a pretty solid theme that finds the band firing at the best of their abilities.  These guys are worthwhile as they care about the songs, perhaps not as dark as I prefer things , but the melodic elements are the compromise in this regard I suppose so will give this album a 9. There is a European flare to what they do so if you are a fan of European death metal then it is worth your time.