ALBUM REVIEW: Lesions Of A Different Kind – Undeath
Lesions Of A Different Kind is the debut full-length album from Rochester, New York death metallers UNDEATH. Having released two demos in 2019, Lesions Of A Different Kind is the first time the band actually entered a proper studio, and the increase in production quality is clear from the opening barrage of Suitably Hacked to Gore, with all the instruments and vocals coming out clear as day. This is a record that wears its influences proudly on its sleeve, with classic death metal from the likes of CANNIBAL CORPSE, CARCASS and DEICIDE all obviously having gone into the UNDEATH formula.
Whilst there is some self-indulgence in regards to wailing guitar solos, the band firmly rein it in and only show off occasionally throughout the record, instead focussing on moving forward at a blistering pace, with the rhythm section in particular never slowing down or losing sight of the objective. However they do this with an old-school style, sometimes eschewing the oft overused double-kick in favour of a much slower pace. This doesn’t dilute the intensity, but instead leaves space within the songs, which makes it that much more brutal when drummer Matt Browning comes back at pace. While it does feel strange to talk about a death metal record that doesn’t permanently pulverise your face, Lesions Of A Different Kind instead takes a much slower, layered approach, which really enriches the tapestry of sounds.
Alex Joseph’s vocals are consistent throughout, and while they could do with perhaps adding some variation, he is nonetheless a solid vocalist. Indeed the high point of this record is when duelling vocals are added with THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER’s Trevor Strnad lending his talents on the title track, the combination of Strnad’s higher pitched squeals with Joseph’s much lower growl really adds a lot to the complexity of the record, and it makes Lesions Of A Different Kind much more three dimensional. Unfortunately this is the only time that any kind of duelling vocals are used, however this is something that UNDEATH should look to utilise further in future, as it completely changes the shape of the song.
Interestingly, UNDEATH are planning a livestream to celebrate the album’s release, and in a live setting these tracks could really come alive, especially with the sheer intensity that is emanating from this record. Whilst occasionally on record they sound slightly one-dimensional, when they add something special into their playing, this record really comes alive. The best example of this is towards the end of Acidic Twilight Visions, where the guitars suddenly go mad, no longer just chugging away there is a huge solo followed up by what is almost a breakdown, that slows down until the song ends at this wonderful, sludgy pace. Perhaps if on that stream there are experiments with pacing, and songs are played faster or slower than on record – or even just segments – then this could really be something special.
As it is, Lesions Of A Different Kind is a solid death metal record, however it is those special moments of excellence that really give a hint towards the future of UNDEATH’s career. He might only be a guest but is telling that Trevor Strnad’s vocals stand out just because of how different they are to Joseph’s, and it is that variation, as well as a few other occasions that makes the potential of UNDEATH into something more than ‘just another death metal band’. Hopefully with the experience of recording an album under their belt, then the second LP will lean much more into those interesting sides – which are certainly things they have in their pocket. All in all however, this is a good start for a new band.
Rating: 7/10
Lesions Of A Different Kind is set for release on October 23rd via Prosthetic Records.
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