After the promising debut demo they released in 2011 (named in such a wicked way as 'Demo 2011'), these Perth-based newcomers are here to butcher you necro! The band alloy death metal, its melodic brother and their cousin deathcore into a hurricane of brutality.
They list that they are similar to such bands as Whitechapel, Suicide Silence, Chelsea Grin and The Black Dahlia Murder, but for me, deathcore is almost a fully uncharted area of music. Therefore I try to depict what I hear during these 18+ minutes.
The debut's faults such as hideous sound and sometimes sloppy playing are totally gone and forgotten. This is way more technical and precise compared to the 2011 release. ASFTW don't stagnate into typical deathcore elements. Right from the start the band grab a listener's head and flings it from side to side. 'Silence Vile Temptress' owes quite a bit to Cryptopsy with its vortex-like guitar work, blasting drumming and throaty and shrieky growl vocals. During the song some breakdowns are heard, but still it clings to brutality before anything else. The guitarists are nimble-fingered, and that's especially heard on the song's solo part which involves some classical music influence. Next two songs showcase jerking deathcore impulse more strongly, but are still severe, and often very fast, pieces. On 'Surrounded by Giants' there are some bass booms utilized with heavier, swaying guitar work. Gothenburg-style melodic riffs are heard only on the closer, but on more occasions it's Dying Fetus that comes to my mind.
ASFTW have managed to inject their music with some memorable riffs and beats. The guitarists frequently play rapid fretboard runs, that raises the technicality level a lot. The lead guitar work is also catchy. The riffs are sharp, North American style. Palm-muted riffing usually happens on the breakdown parts, and are sturdy. The drumming is busy for a big part. Loads of varying drum kit use is heard. Even though there are breakdowns, the music does not halt on them, but still keeps on advancing. The band includes two vocalists; one is lower growling and the other is more shrieky type. It's more a death metal/black metal alloy than typical deathcore. And one doesn't need to fear hearing any clean ones...
The production is mint. This was recorded at Silver Wings Studios, and is the best production job I've heard from them. None of the elements clash with each other. The sound is both well-balanced and tight. The drums do not sound too triggered. For example the kick drums sound meaty and the snare drum sounds tight and snell. And yeah, the bass is audible. The mix utilizes both trebly and lower frequencies, so it does not get clogged. Artwork isn't very hot, though.
If post-1998 Cryptopsy strikes home, and even the infamous 'The Unspoken King' (2008) and especially its more brutal bits and not them horrible mallcore things, 'The Necrobutcher' can be one for you lot. It's not million miles from something like Rings Of Saturn either, just not that alien. This is more Earthly, as the lyrics tell about the plague of this planet: Human. Okay, there are a couple of lyrics about paranormal evil forces... Anyway, A Scar For The Wicked sound like they are a force to be reckoned with!
Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained
Reviewed by Lane
12/14/2014 13:56
