 Features
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Tracklist
Inchaos
What a Wonderful Death
Resinous Balm
Forest Recipe
Devoured Tenderness
Vicious Seed
Fleshback
Loneliness
Dogs
Lonliness (video)
Phazm should be praised for their unique take on black metal. Actually, the band terms their music as 'black rock', which at times is the most accurate description of the ensemble. There is a good amount of blasting here as well, however. The group works hard to create a frightening ambience, both instrumentally and through the use of a highly original lyrical concept that revolves around forests of trees taking revenge upon humanity, assumedly for their use of SUVs and the build up of manufactured waste such as paved roads which has now infiltrated anyplace that is touched by the human presence.
'Inchaos' makes for a chilling introduction, with its sick bassy tones and darkened barking from Pierhryck. The band strikes at the root of Venom and old school Bathory, while branching out into some original tempo changes accented by a sick undead sound that retains underground intensity while coming off a material that is straightforward enough to appeal to a wide variety of listeners. The band writes songs that are long enough to get into in an in depth manner as opposed to creating blasts that just fly by at supreme velocity, arrangements are a strong part of the music of Phazm, and the band has obviously spent a good amount of time getting these songs set up in a way that will not only be attractive to aficionados, but also aimed at keeping things interesting for the group to perform as well.
'Resinous Balm' is abrasive and detuned, designed for headbanging and doubtlessly dark. The strains of 'Forest Recipe' are relentless as the group grinds out some pure hyper-speed blasting. Throughout the record, the band utilizes sound effects that sound like lumbering, walking trees. 'Devoured' contains some thick, sludgy riffing courtesy of Pierhryck and Pathryck that creates a completely nightmarish tone as the band backs up the raspy barks of the frontman with a solid, pounding attack. The record features some awesome cover art that maintains a consistent theme throughout the booklet, which stimulates some interesting and entertaining mental imagery. If what you crave is black metal that is both adventurous and original, this is a release you'll surely want to attain. But, keep a couple chainsaws handy, just in case!
Review by: EF
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