Wharflurch : "Mycodeath and Rebirth in the Outer Clusters'

 

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The second album from this death metal duo finds them continuing the storyline started on the previous album. Supposedly, this is a concept album, but the vocals are such a gurgle that they are left falling back against the drums, making any narrative of a story to be told irrelevant. When it comes to death metal, incomprehensible growls are not a deal breaker for me as the growled vocals are often just another abrasive texture. However, most death metal bands do not bestow upon themselves the pretense of being storytellers, so it's not as big of a deal. If I went into this thinking this was just another death metal album, then ignorance would have been bliss. The first song rules, and the second song is not as focused, but still works for what they are doing.

More atmospheric than Cannibal Corpse, but the way atmosphere is used makes me think of Nocturnus jamming with Cannibal Corpse; they were both from Tampa, so it could have happened. They come closer to finding more of a pounding groove with "Non- Zero Expanse". The cavernous mix is more apparent in this song. The creepy nuance and more focused riffs give the song what it needs. They continue to perfect this on "Headless God"; a solo rips through the murk, showing they are masters of their instruments. 

"Dimensional Parasite" is the best song so far; it is darker, with a cool riff at the center, and they weave around it melodically. "Heavenly Orbs" wanders more in the spacey atmosphere but finds some cool parts in this journey. "Revelation ov the Sporelord" is more atmospheric; it wrestles with its need to crunch into or hypnotize you. The title track that closes the album has a more soaring, almost doom-gaze feel to it. It is the album's most melodic moment. It drops this for a whispered narrative; this leaves the song hanging andd does not feel like the transition they need for the cool direction it was heading in. It just kind of drifts off. Despite this unfinished ending, I think they excel at what they are doing here , story aside. I will give this one a 9. 

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