Vile reek of putrefaction oozes from the Belgian underground nowadays, as the country's death metal bands put out their stuff probably on daily basis. Aeons Of Old (formerly known as Anaemica) have now released their first demo-CD.

AOO's death metal is melodic and not even close to the vilest brutality or protracted putrefaction. Three guitars are used nicely, making the band sound original. For example, one guitar slashing out riffs and two performing intertwining leads or all of 'em riffing out something slightly different, add some tasty guitar work in these three songs. There's no solos, but a lot of leads and some non-distorted parts, too. Of course one can record and overlap 666 guitar tracks in studio, but this has a feel of a real stuff, like guys have really thought it out. Bass is also well performed and definitely not unvarying.

But, and this "but" is a big one in my ears: a drum machine is utilized. The sucker doesn't provide any power, and the power is a must in the death metal music. The band is looking for a skinsbasher and before a next release they really should find one! There are also keyboards, but they're quite well hidden. Vocals are usual stuff: low growl and hoarse growl alternate, but they both are a bit dull. Lyrics are also taken from "death metal theme book": inner voices and rapist/slasher stuff. It's all nicely packed with pro printed cover including the lyrics.

The strength of AOO lie in the guitar work. It is quite special as their style does not bring any names into my mind. That's a good sign. Good luck finding a flesh and bone drummer, because the drum machine is not really an option when playing death metal.

Reviewed by Lane
04/16/2004 21:34