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May 17, 2012 |
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COMMIT SUICIDE - Synthetics
Willowtip (2004) |
8/10 |
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01. Earthly Cleansing
02. Last Of Life
03. Resonance
04. Transient
05. Synthetics
06. Bastard Creature/Harmonic Skepticism
07. Spore
08. Post Human Future
09. Eternal Elegy
10. Evolve
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Before I start this review, a word to the wise: If you are in a band and are thinking about a split release with another band, do it. A few months ago I purchased the MISERY INDEX/COMMIT SUICIDE split because I am a huge fan of MI. Little did I know that COMMIT SUICIDE would own the disk and impress me to the point where I would purchase their other two releases the next day. Split releases are a good way to reach audiences that would otherwise not hear your music. Now, on to the review:
"Synthetics" is the second full-length release from this Pittsburgh powerhouse. What initially caught my eye was the fact that COMMIT SUICIDE has teamed up with Willowtip - one of the preeminent labels for extreme music, currently home to some of the best bands in the genre.
COMMIT SUICIDE flawlessly fuse death metal, punk and grindcore to create a sound that is unmistakably original and groundbreaking. Many "experts" have called this band one of the innovators and champions of the new direction in extreme music. After listening to this release a few times it isn't hard to understand why.
In my opinion, the cornerstone to a great grindcore band is the drumming. "Lee" (as his name is simply stated in the liner notes) throws out a blitzkrieg of blast beats, odd time shifts and pummeling fills. I would compare his drumming to the free-flowing style and grace of Gene Hoglan mixed with the absolute precise and razor-sharp tightness and brutality of Dave Witte. Even more impressive is the fact that most of the songs were recorded in one take and without any the use of any digital correction after the fact.
The songs themselves are relatively simple. The majority of the tracks follow the same format. The riffs are basic and replayed over and over, but the dynamics are changed with the drum patterns being utilized. Initially I thought that the songs were a bit boring, but after a few spins you begin to realize that this is a lot more than just the run-of-the-mill extreme metal band. I would put COMMIT SUICIDE along side bands like DISCORDANCE AXIS and BENUMB - not the most technically proficient musicians (save the drumming), but the delivery of each song leaves you feeling like you've been hit by a train. The tracks are simple, but absolutely brutal all the way through.
Production is tight and in your face. There is a great mix between all elements and each instrument can be heard clearly. COMMIT SUICIDE use more of a vintage Marshall-type crunch than a modern high-gain attack with their guitars. This goes a long way to create a dark atmosphere that permeates each song, giving them an almost "creepy" feeling. Add to the mix twisted vocals in the vein of CEPHALIC CARNAGE and CONVERGE and you have a band that can create a real atmosphere with their music.
This is a fantastic release by a band that is reinventing the extreme music genre. Quality songs, excellent production and a drummer that will soon be recognized as an equal to Dave Culross, John Longstreth and Dave Witte. Buy this great Willowtip release now and thank me later.
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