ALBUM REVIEW: Beyond Pain And Pleasure: A Desert Experiment – Death Tribe
Lebanese born Anthony Kaoteon has been paving his own path of sonic devastation for almost 20 years under the banner of his KAOTEON project but 2019 see’s a long standing venture finally come to fruition in the form of DEATH TRIBE. This independent release entitled Beyond Pain And Pleasure: A Desert Experiment embodies the essence of rebellion and defiance inspired by the unrelenting conflict in his homeland of Beirut. Armed with the skills of Linus Klausenitzer of OBSCURA and DARK FORTRESS‘s Mattias Landes this effort holds a lot of promise. Will it achieve the desired effect?
Hollow hits you like a bolt of lightning with savage screams and thrash tinged guitar work from the off. The groove ridden tempo sets an instant statement of intent as the track meanders through a variety of chaotic instrumentation leaving you reeling. Beyond Pain And Pleasure continues the onslaught with dark, ominous tones and frantic bursts of drumming. This track quickly ramps up the intricacy combining sturdy death metal riffing, hefty bass lines and bellowing growls. Implode Explode commences with some impressive tapping leadwork and elaborate layering which would give MASTODON a run for their money. The crazy shifts in pace keep you guessing as the sporadic nature of the drum segments become a focal point.
As the album progresses it becomes more and more unforgiving. Neurotic Breakdown bludgeons you with swift technicality that assaults your senses from every angle. Kaoteon‘s vocal range is frightening to behold as he launches a barrage of guttural blasts. Psychopathetic continues the insanity with prominent bass lines leading the way alongside addictive guitar tones. Waves of chaos ensue as impressive sweeps and odd time signatures are thrown into the mix to further disorientate the listener. Death Blues takes you on a completely different journey introducing some powerful falsetto sections and a more straight forward heavy metal vibe whilst still maintaining the high energy and slightly chaotic elements.
Narcissist Bastard Nation slows the pace with a doomy demeanour before you are sneak attacked by a ferocious foray of growls and punishing blast beats. The alluring drum work ensures the track displays a varied pace. Nuclear Hate witnesses the return of the thrash elements as the track starts to gain some extra momentum with speed infused gallops. The intensity follows suit as potent blast beats add a further level of carnage to proceedings. Face The Facts shakes it up once more with initial blues tones and a showcase of vocal flurries reminiscent of the late, great Dave Brockie. Addictive riffing towards the midway point alongside seething screeches ensure that Beyond Pain And Pleasure maintains its vigour and energy until the very end.
The crazy metamorphosis that unfolds as Beyond Pain And Pleasure progresses keeps you guessing at every turn wondering what chaos you will encounter next. Every song has it’s own distinctive style and ensures that the experience stays fresh if not a little bewildering which can be a blessing and a curse in its own right. This release will be hailed for its caution to the wind mentality but it will also equally divide opinion for it’s lack of cohesion. This aspect may require a little tact and empathy towards the bold endeavour that Anthony Kaoteon has strived to achieve with DEATH TRIBE over the course of multiple years and irrespective of it’s unpredictability this release represents a purpose much greater. For this fact alone, the debut album from DEATH TRIBE will most certainly be considered a success and an accomplishment to be very proud of.
Rating: 8/10
Beyond Pain And Pleasure: A Desert Experiment is out now via self-release.
Like DEATH TRIBE on Facebook.