ALBUM REVIEW: Disomus – Through The Eyes of the Dead
Cited as a pioneering player in the development of the modern technical death metal movement, American deathcore outfit THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD are back with their fourth full-length studio album; Disomus. After a seven year wait since their last release, a dangerous length in the modern age for music, there are question marks as to whether THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD can showcase their worth to a scene that has developed considerably since their last outing. So, does Disomus deliver?
Aiming to create an immediate impression, THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD get Disomus off to the best possible start with opening track Hate The Living. Intertwining riffing that ooze technicality from guitarists Steven Funderburk and Justin Longshore demonstrates the band’s skill whilst the combination of Michael Ranne‘s blasts from the drums and Danny Rodriguez‘s thunderous vocals pack a powerful punch. A strong start indeed.
As Disomus unfolds, THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD rarely buckle as they continue to pound the listener with their aggressive sound. Michael Ranne‘s work behind the drums is impressive as he keeps the pace churning at breakneck speed and gelling together with the dual-pronged guitar assault Disomus can be, at times, utterly menacing with Vortices In The Stygian Maelstrom being a particular highlight of this. Danny Rodriguez‘s vocal lines help keep the intensity high as well, with his range of guttural lows and shrieking highs aligning themselves to the deathcore template and combining with former vocalist Nate Johnson on Teras is a cool moment as THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD come full circle.
Whilst the band’s sound is certainly aggressive and ticks the boxes of the deathcore blueprint, at points, it feels like something that has been heard many times before with Disomus‘ final third feeling lacklustre as a result of this. However, the beaming trait to Disomus and indeed THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD on the whole, is their utterly impressive guitarwork. Whilst the vocal deliveries and pounding rhythms can become repetitive, the lead guitar play is thoroughly enjoyable to listen to. From the breathtaking solo on Haruspex to the hard-hitting opening on The Blinding Nightmare Hex and equally jaw-dropping solo or the gorgeous acoustic breather that is Ingis, it’s moments like this where THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD truly shine.
So have THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD done enough to make the seven year wait for new music worth it? Whilst it certainly will not set the world on fire, Disomus certainly showcases a band who know their sound through and through. This is a record that boasts power and has moments of sheer technical bliss, which results in a worthwhile listening experience. Fans will not be disappointed.
Rating: 7/10
Disomus is set for release on October 13th via Long Branch Records/SPV.
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