Second strike from the beardiest band in Finland has been given. The band's numerous demos and the debut 'Roadmap of Pain' (2003) are not familiar to me, but it's clear that I should pick up the debut ASAP.

Total Devastation's roots are in metal music, but they have quite a broad style. Death metal, thrash metal and grindcore mixed with industrial, electro and alternative rock is what the band are about. If there's influences from many a style, the band have created tight and squeezed whole which they can call their own. Even though the tempo changes from blast to slowish, there's a huge drive on this album. Here's some bands I hear in this, but never too obviously: Entombed (old and new), Motörhead, Fear Factory, Prong, Napalm Death and Ministry. On 'Reclusion', the band sticks to more brutal things, with a few exceptions here and there. Every song has its meaning, but there's still nice variety in all of them.

The Janne Saksa pruduction is pounding and above all, organic and warm. That kick drum sound is just great, as is all the drums! It's kick drum, not click drum. Guitars simply shred, but there's also non-brutal parts. Balancing is good. Electonics are nicely embedded in and they certainly do not steal the show. Vocals are all growled and are rather unvarying. Suits me, though.

If you seek for brutal yet groovy music, pick 'Reclusion' up. Its energy will make up bash up your flat. 'Reclusion' is strong throughout.

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
02/03/2005 15:18