Coram Lethe - The Gates of Oblivion
Crash Music, Inc. - 61135 - April 5th, 2005
By Josh Phillips
When we think of metal and the countries that bring it to us, Italy rarely comes to mind as one of the meccas of our form of music. But, I think it is now safe to say that they have found one band to be more than proud of, and that band is Coram Lethe. One part Necrophagist, one part Arsis, this band plays a form of technical death metal with bursts of melodic, thrashy riffs. Though this is technical, it is never so clinical that it becomes stagnant, there are many tempo changes and enough variation and emotion to keep the listener enthralled throughout. If you are a fan of the aforementioned bands or The Chasm, you may want to take note.
The first thing you'll notice when the album comes on is the incredibly thick, powerful production. The drums are right up front and crushingly heavy, though it was mixed so well that they never overshadow the guitars. An absolutely perfect sound for this album. Vocalist Mirco Borghini uses both higher ranged vocals for the melodic, thrashy pieces and a low grunt, ala Decapitated's Winds of Creation, during the brutal sections. Meanwhile, bassist Giacomo Occhipinti proves himself to be one of the best I've heard in quite some time. In "Dying Water Walk With Us" he begins to make his presence felt as he guides the band through a spacey atmospheric piece, before completely melting the listener with his magnificent play on 6th track, "I, Oblivion." Listen to the outro of this song to get a taste of his playing ability. Audible throughout, this instrument is not simply a background complement on this album, but an integral part of the music. As much of a part of this band's sound as the bass, is the guitar. Leonardo Fusi crafts an extreme metal soundscape that should appeal to fans of both death and thrash. A barrage of riffs fill the air, changing constantly, drowning us all. This release is simply B-R-U-T-A-L, have no doubts, this bands melodic side does not compromise their sound, at all. They are vicious, but they are atmospheric and the closer "Sleet" is a beautiful way to end this release.
To sum up this band's overall sound in one song, it has to be "Instinct," this one incorporates all of their best elements, so give it a listen. Huge grooves, shifting tempos, drifting bass, caustic vocals, pounding riffs. All I can really say is "Wow." This is jaw-droppingly good and by far the biggest and best surprise of an incredible year. This is my "Anata" of the year, if you will, and in fact, these two bands share many similarities. Coram Lethe's The Gates of Oblivion is now contending with Oathean's Fading Away Into the Grave of Nothingness for album of the year, this is one everyone should check out. Highly recommended.
9/10
Official Coram Lethe Website
Official Crash Music Inc. Website
Crash Music, Inc. - 61135 - April 5th, 2005
By Josh Phillips
When we think of metal and the countries that bring it to us, Italy rarely comes to mind as one of the meccas of our form of music. But, I think it is now safe to say that they have found one band to be more than proud of, and that band is Coram Lethe. One part Necrophagist, one part Arsis, this band plays a form of technical death metal with bursts of melodic, thrashy riffs. Though this is technical, it is never so clinical that it becomes stagnant, there are many tempo changes and enough variation and emotion to keep the listener enthralled throughout. If you are a fan of the aforementioned bands or The Chasm, you may want to take note.
The first thing you'll notice when the album comes on is the incredibly thick, powerful production. The drums are right up front and crushingly heavy, though it was mixed so well that they never overshadow the guitars. An absolutely perfect sound for this album. Vocalist Mirco Borghini uses both higher ranged vocals for the melodic, thrashy pieces and a low grunt, ala Decapitated's Winds of Creation, during the brutal sections. Meanwhile, bassist Giacomo Occhipinti proves himself to be one of the best I've heard in quite some time. In "Dying Water Walk With Us" he begins to make his presence felt as he guides the band through a spacey atmospheric piece, before completely melting the listener with his magnificent play on 6th track, "I, Oblivion." Listen to the outro of this song to get a taste of his playing ability. Audible throughout, this instrument is not simply a background complement on this album, but an integral part of the music. As much of a part of this band's sound as the bass, is the guitar. Leonardo Fusi crafts an extreme metal soundscape that should appeal to fans of both death and thrash. A barrage of riffs fill the air, changing constantly, drowning us all. This release is simply B-R-U-T-A-L, have no doubts, this bands melodic side does not compromise their sound, at all. They are vicious, but they are atmospheric and the closer "Sleet" is a beautiful way to end this release.
To sum up this band's overall sound in one song, it has to be "Instinct," this one incorporates all of their best elements, so give it a listen. Huge grooves, shifting tempos, drifting bass, caustic vocals, pounding riffs. All I can really say is "Wow." This is jaw-droppingly good and by far the biggest and best surprise of an incredible year. This is my "Anata" of the year, if you will, and in fact, these two bands share many similarities. Coram Lethe's The Gates of Oblivion is now contending with Oathean's Fading Away Into the Grave of Nothingness for album of the year, this is one everyone should check out. Highly recommended.
9/10
Official Coram Lethe Website
Official Crash Music Inc. Website
