Chastisement Alleviation of Pain
Rage of Achilles ILLIAD 050 - 2004
By Rodrigo Escandon
The Rage of Achilles label is quickly making a name for itself with the high quality releases that have come out in recent months. Now comes the turn of Swedens Chastisement to get the exposure on this label, and they definitely prove that they are worthy of attention. Their music can best be described as brutal melodic death metal. Alleviation of Pain - which was originally recorded in 2001 and released independently - is their chance to stake a claim in this crowded genre. But will they be able to accomplish that? The straight answer is yes and no.
Since this release is three years old, the music does seem out of date, and the sound of the album is a little flat. The guitars are thin, the bass is really lost in the mix and the drums, especially the double bass, could use a little bit more punch. But since this was recorded a few years back, and without the backing of a record label, it can be tolerated and forgiven. Nevertheless it is something they will definitely have to improve in their next release.
There is also no denying the fact that Chastisement have done a very good job of delivering some extreme, heavy, and brutal music, without losing any melody in the process. There are many bands that have tried to do the same, and their efforts usually lean towards one or the other - not straight down the middle. Punishing drumming, a great amount of riffing and an excellent growling singer are what you should expect to hear in Alleviation of Pain. The two guitarists, Marcus and Tommy, showcase plenty of talent in belting out a plethora of melodic leads and solos that totally sound in place. In fact, out of the three instrumentals in the album, two of them are acoustic melodic pieces that break up the pace and display the fact that this band can show some diversity.
However, Alleviation of Pain is not consistent from beginning to end. Some songs work better than others, and there is a feeling I can shake that the music sounds formulaic. All the elements one would expect out of a melodic death metal album can be found. Still, this is a very good beginning for Chastisement, but if they plan to make a name for themselves, improvements must be made.
7/10
Chastisement Official Website
Rage of Achilles Official Website
Rage of Achilles ILLIAD 050 - 2004
By Rodrigo Escandon
The Rage of Achilles label is quickly making a name for itself with the high quality releases that have come out in recent months. Now comes the turn of Swedens Chastisement to get the exposure on this label, and they definitely prove that they are worthy of attention. Their music can best be described as brutal melodic death metal. Alleviation of Pain - which was originally recorded in 2001 and released independently - is their chance to stake a claim in this crowded genre. But will they be able to accomplish that? The straight answer is yes and no.
Since this release is three years old, the music does seem out of date, and the sound of the album is a little flat. The guitars are thin, the bass is really lost in the mix and the drums, especially the double bass, could use a little bit more punch. But since this was recorded a few years back, and without the backing of a record label, it can be tolerated and forgiven. Nevertheless it is something they will definitely have to improve in their next release.
There is also no denying the fact that Chastisement have done a very good job of delivering some extreme, heavy, and brutal music, without losing any melody in the process. There are many bands that have tried to do the same, and their efforts usually lean towards one or the other - not straight down the middle. Punishing drumming, a great amount of riffing and an excellent growling singer are what you should expect to hear in Alleviation of Pain. The two guitarists, Marcus and Tommy, showcase plenty of talent in belting out a plethora of melodic leads and solos that totally sound in place. In fact, out of the three instrumentals in the album, two of them are acoustic melodic pieces that break up the pace and display the fact that this band can show some diversity.
However, Alleviation of Pain is not consistent from beginning to end. Some songs work better than others, and there is a feeling I can shake that the music sounds formulaic. All the elements one would expect out of a melodic death metal album can be found. Still, this is a very good beginning for Chastisement, but if they plan to make a name for themselves, improvements must be made.
7/10
Chastisement Official Website
Rage of Achilles Official Website
