Another piece of modern extreme metal from Finland, but this time around there is a interesting point to them: Each guy of this five-piece band has over 10 years of experience in playing. Human Sculpture have been together since 2010, and 'Our World / Torn down' is their debut release.
Let's get over the most intriguing question first, which is "are they any unique?" Well, to tell the truth, no. It's not really what I expected, though, considering how little unique metal music is heard nowadays. Human Sculpture's trade is modern death metal with touches from Gothenburg scene (At The Gates style toughness for example, as well as more melodious measures from other sources), with metalcore playing an important part in their sound. What makes them cool is their energetic delivery, which does not lack of talent. If it's about lightning-speed blasting, no problem. Likewise slower parts work as the band are able to inject in certain kind of groove. Blazing performances from instrumentalists are just a treat to listen to, as the production is top-notch. This is packed into a pocketcase featuring pretty good computerized photography (much better than many big label releases). But the songs, how are they then? They are always more important than playing skills, eh?!
'Deconstruction' opens the game and its truculent opening riff and rabid attack the band conjures is truly exuberant. It soon shifts to a slightly melodic part, and then goes into slower metalcore territory after a minute or so, losing some of its grip, never gaining it later on. For me, it is those metalcore elements, that worsen the song. They do not add any aggressiveness, because the band reached its height already at the beginning of the song, and sound kind of dull. The melodiousness is simple and familiar, but pretty effective anyway. The vocals are screamo grunting, with some low register growling. 'The Wait' also starts with fast attack. It too shifts between gears one to five, containing multiple tempo changes. The melody work at first is similar to the opener's, but during the fine middle-part the band goes more melodic, and furthermore, all nuances in playing are more easily heard. 'A Heart' sounds most street wise of the bunch, meaning that the metalcore elements are at the most in it. It is the least catchy song here, easily, and the most faceless one.
The playing skills are high here, but the songs aren't leakproof. Originality is almost non-existing. Well, it has never been the key aspect for surviving in cold music industry world anyways, but I still hope the band will not take the easiest route. They got that groove, that fellow-feeling, which is never obvious for every band. 'Our World / Torn down' is still a well done piece of modern death metal, that should sink to those who enjoy such a thing.
Reviewed by Lane
11/20/2011 00:29
