Dementify "Dementify II"

Taking 5 Skull Reviews in a much darker direction today, after a fairly extended break from reviews that I needed. Let's see what Sofia, Bulgaria based Dementify have been up to lately.

Titled "Dementify II" this second album from the Bulgarian black metal band is dark and bleak without sacrificing sound quality. Dementify interject their heavy riffing with haunting piano melodies, as well as keyboard/organ sounds.

"Posession" shows Dementify making full use of their dynamic potential, from quiet low piano sounds to heavy harsh riffing.

"Plague" is a bit more subdued, once again featuring the piano melody. The wandering yet repetitive melody in this song reminds me of "Lux Aeterna" by Clint Mansell a bit. The rich and threatening sounds on this are somehow incredibly catchy.

Next up is "Baelfire" which comes off as a bit more upbeat, and it really showcases the singer's abilities. He sounds a tad like Marilyn Manson to me, but with a thick accent. Dementify make heavy use of the organ on this song, which features the heaviest drumming on the EP. Dementify isn't a blast beat band, but they make interesting use of heavy drums without overdoing it.

The final song on the album is called "Hanging" and it features a different spoken word style vocal over a slow and attention-grabbing piano melody. The guitar joins, creating lush soundscapes instead of a chorus.

Dementify is, to me, the result of doom and black metal mixing together. The drums plod along at a slow trudge while the guitar and piano sounds work to create tortured yet earworm-worthy sounds.

Overall, I thought the piano was a tad high in the mix, and the vocals were a little bit low, but this is a huge step in the right direction for Black Metal as a genre, which usually creates a muddy, harsh ball of sound in the midrange. "Dementify II" is obviously a well thought out collection of songs, and it put me in a somber mood.

Don't just take my word for it though, be sure to listen for yourself!!

"DEMENTIFY II"

Type: EP release

Release date: August 29, 2018

Label: Self-released

Tracklist:

01. Possession (5:14)

02. Plague (4:52)

03. Baelfire (3:52)

04. Hanging (5:03)

How to get it:

Bandcamp:

https://dementify.bandcamp.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Dementify-558785250896268/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKeGmCpEubLfjMh-wCUf9hQ

THE VERDICT:

4 out of 5 Skulls

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Symmetrical Defiance "Chrysalis"

Based out of Rome, NY, Symmetrical Defiance has been playing shows and making waves on the local underground scene for several years. Unfortunately, as is commonplace for many underground bands, they had to undergo several lineup changes to find their current form. I do have a demo of this band kicking around from a few years ago, but they're listing "Chrysalis" as their debut EP.

The EP starts off with an atmospheric guitar intro, which develops into a dark and heavy riff. The title track "Chrysalis" is a great representation of the band's sound, showcasing versatility and displaying the band's dark tones. Zodion Comstock (Bass) and Gabe Gonzalez (Drums) reinforce the many changes in this song. Just under 5 minutes goes by quickly as the heavy riffs continue on.

"Fate Of A Blackened World" comes on like a Slayer tune, but Joshua Franchi (Vocals) brings his signature dark style to bear on this song. His vocal tones are low and very harsh, akin to Emperor Magus Caligula (Dark Funeral) or Réne Wagner (Nargaroth). These low and wild black metal style vocals fit perfectly with the atmosphere of the riffs.

Black Metal vocals are not for the faint of heart, and this band's style makes it difficult to understand the lyrics. Their online material does not have lyric sheets. The physical release may be different however.

"Machine Of Defiance" hits hard, with dizzying guitar work and a faster pace. This is as catchy as it gets on this EP. This comes off as a blend of Death Metal style riffs and solos with the atmosphere and touch of Black Metal.

"Waiting In The Shadows" feels like a rainy day here, with a much darker and slower trudge to the intro and verse parts. Going a little slower in parts makes this the longest song on the EP by 2 minutes.

The final track, "Alliance" picks the speed back up and shows off Rexxavier McGee (Guitars) quite prominently.

This band is taking no prisoners. "Chrysalis" is a dark and energetic display of force. Friends who enjoy either Black Metal or Death Metal will get into Symmetrical Defiance. However, as always, YOU should listen for yourself! Check them out and support underground metal!

"CHRYSALIS"

Type: EP release

Release date: July 1st, 2018

Label: Self-released

Track listing:

01. Chrysalis (4:51)

02. Fate Of The Blackened World (4:16)

03. Machine Of Defiance (4:07)

04. Waiting In The Shadows (6:51)

05. Alliance (4:41)

How to get it:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SymmetricalDefiance

Bandcamp:
https://symmetricaldefiance.bandcamp.com

Bigcartel:
https://symmetricaldefiance.bigcartel.com

THE VERDICT:

4 out of 5 Skulls

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