Illogicist Polymorphism Of Death
Self-released ILL001 2002
By Russell Garwood
Illogicist, a highly technical death metal band from Italy, cite their major influences as Death, Atheist, Spastic Ink, Sceptic, jazz, fusion and classical. This hardly comes as a surprise after hearing their debut Polymorphism Of Death, a three track EP released in February. The band consists of guitarist Fabio Filippone (formerly of Nefarium), Roberto Zeppa on bass, drummer Remy Curtaz and Luca Mineri, who is responsible not only for guitars and vocals but also the exceptional artwork on this extremely professional demo. Describing their music as a violent sonic combination of technical ability, rhythmic asymmetry, melodic sickness and lyrical frustration, they sum it up well. In the twenty minutes of music on display here there are many time changes with enough melody to make the music memorable and enjoyable, with introspective, dark lyrics and a complexity which continually calls you back to listen again.
Opener Warped begins fast speedy drums and wailing guitars sounding almost mechanically tight in their start/stop riffing and time changes. This then slows into a more melodic section before reverting to the upbeat template, and the ending demonstrates not only the impressive talent of both drummer and guitarists, but also Zeppas accomplished bass playing. This is followed by Visions Of Decay, another meandering progressive effort in which Minieris growled but impressive vocals are followed closely by the backing, while the percussion helps build crescendos. Also present are a plethora of impressive solos before the song fades out. Final track Grimaces has an excellent bass and drum intro that progresses into a skipping melody and then crunching guitar. Next comes the most jazzy section on the album, the funky rhythms and swingy drums providing an enjoyable contrast to the heaviness displayed elsewhere, and this is concluded with a more melodic feel.
Recorded at One Voice studio, with Daniele Giordana, the production on Polymorphism Of Death is remarkable considering this is a demo, and just as clear as most label releases. It highlights the impressive song-writing skills and technicality of the material, which, while stylistically and instrumentally unchanging, none-the-less captivate you from beginning to end. If you want to hear this band before they get big this demo is a must - Illogicist undoubtedly have a very bright future, and I look forward with anticipation to their next release.
Self-released ILL001 2002
By Russell Garwood
Illogicist, a highly technical death metal band from Italy, cite their major influences as Death, Atheist, Spastic Ink, Sceptic, jazz, fusion and classical. This hardly comes as a surprise after hearing their debut Polymorphism Of Death, a three track EP released in February. The band consists of guitarist Fabio Filippone (formerly of Nefarium), Roberto Zeppa on bass, drummer Remy Curtaz and Luca Mineri, who is responsible not only for guitars and vocals but also the exceptional artwork on this extremely professional demo. Describing their music as a violent sonic combination of technical ability, rhythmic asymmetry, melodic sickness and lyrical frustration, they sum it up well. In the twenty minutes of music on display here there are many time changes with enough melody to make the music memorable and enjoyable, with introspective, dark lyrics and a complexity which continually calls you back to listen again.
Opener Warped begins fast speedy drums and wailing guitars sounding almost mechanically tight in their start/stop riffing and time changes. This then slows into a more melodic section before reverting to the upbeat template, and the ending demonstrates not only the impressive talent of both drummer and guitarists, but also Zeppas accomplished bass playing. This is followed by Visions Of Decay, another meandering progressive effort in which Minieris growled but impressive vocals are followed closely by the backing, while the percussion helps build crescendos. Also present are a plethora of impressive solos before the song fades out. Final track Grimaces has an excellent bass and drum intro that progresses into a skipping melody and then crunching guitar. Next comes the most jazzy section on the album, the funky rhythms and swingy drums providing an enjoyable contrast to the heaviness displayed elsewhere, and this is concluded with a more melodic feel.
Recorded at One Voice studio, with Daniele Giordana, the production on Polymorphism Of Death is remarkable considering this is a demo, and just as clear as most label releases. It highlights the impressive song-writing skills and technicality of the material, which, while stylistically and instrumentally unchanging, none-the-less captivate you from beginning to end. If you want to hear this band before they get big this demo is a must - Illogicist undoubtedly have a very bright future, and I look forward with anticipation to their next release.
