Darkness Eternal Misanthropic Annihilation
Autopsy Kitchen Records AKR006 August 30th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
Its frustrating when talent is spread too thin like on Darkness Eternals third offering, Misanthropic Annihilation. Honestly, though, George Velaetis has an ungodly amount of talent seething in his veins, and one need look no further than the liner notes of his latest, which details each and every contribution. In addition to photography and logo design (the abbreviated one a variation on the Dead Kennedys logo, no?), Velaetis recorded all vocals, guitars, bass, drums, and acquired both producing and co-mixing duties. Unfortunately, like I implied, this isnt a top-notch release, though I think the frontman would benefit incredibly if he joined a band in which responsibilities were evenly distributed.
Velaetis is a self-proclaimed fanatic of The Chasm, spending his days as bass live/session member for the heralded death metallers no less, and Darkness Eternal borrow elements from said Mexican troupe, tossing in potions derived from the likes of Nile, Deeds of Flesh, and others. Recalling styles such as death and thrash, Misanthropic Annihilation is an hour-long monster stacked with lengthy songs. The music is quite speedy and there are no faults immediately detectable; however, the material is kind of mundane in spite of the heartfelt outpouring. Its easy enough to call this Canadian project a less epic, more boring version of The Chasm, but I feel that wouldnt be giving Velaetis proper accolades for his staggering abilities. Its true that these nine tunes arent able to stand toe to toe with the genre heavyweights. Fair enough. Nevertheless, he appears to be a strong contender in just about every musical division, and as is the case with numerous one-man outfits, theres usually a conspicuous perhaps even embarrassing weakness. For the most part, that concept decided to play hooky on Misanthropic Annihilation.
So, what it comes down to is this: Darkness Eternal didnt really grab me, nor did any of the numbers make any lasting impressions. Id suggest Velaetis determine which instrument he excels at the most, and then get involved with a kickass death metal group. Id be intrigued to see what hed do. Chances are, itd be good.
5/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Darkness Eternal Website
Official Autopsy Kitchen Records Website
Autopsy Kitchen Records AKR006 August 30th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
Its frustrating when talent is spread too thin like on Darkness Eternals third offering, Misanthropic Annihilation. Honestly, though, George Velaetis has an ungodly amount of talent seething in his veins, and one need look no further than the liner notes of his latest, which details each and every contribution. In addition to photography and logo design (the abbreviated one a variation on the Dead Kennedys logo, no?), Velaetis recorded all vocals, guitars, bass, drums, and acquired both producing and co-mixing duties. Unfortunately, like I implied, this isnt a top-notch release, though I think the frontman would benefit incredibly if he joined a band in which responsibilities were evenly distributed.
Velaetis is a self-proclaimed fanatic of The Chasm, spending his days as bass live/session member for the heralded death metallers no less, and Darkness Eternal borrow elements from said Mexican troupe, tossing in potions derived from the likes of Nile, Deeds of Flesh, and others. Recalling styles such as death and thrash, Misanthropic Annihilation is an hour-long monster stacked with lengthy songs. The music is quite speedy and there are no faults immediately detectable; however, the material is kind of mundane in spite of the heartfelt outpouring. Its easy enough to call this Canadian project a less epic, more boring version of The Chasm, but I feel that wouldnt be giving Velaetis proper accolades for his staggering abilities. Its true that these nine tunes arent able to stand toe to toe with the genre heavyweights. Fair enough. Nevertheless, he appears to be a strong contender in just about every musical division, and as is the case with numerous one-man outfits, theres usually a conspicuous perhaps even embarrassing weakness. For the most part, that concept decided to play hooky on Misanthropic Annihilation.
So, what it comes down to is this: Darkness Eternal didnt really grab me, nor did any of the numbers make any lasting impressions. Id suggest Velaetis determine which instrument he excels at the most, and then get involved with a kickass death metal group. Id be intrigued to see what hed do. Chances are, itd be good.
5/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Darkness Eternal Website
Official Autopsy Kitchen Records Website
