The Absence From Your Grave
Metal Blade Records 2005
By Russell Garwood
The Absence hail from Tampa, Florida, and in between hurricanes play heavily Gothenburg influenced melodic death metal. Like the weather of their home state, the bands music is powerful and intent on destruction; distorted yet melodic guitars are choc full of hooks, memorable riffs and tuneful solos. The drums are precise and well performed, accentuating dynamic changes, while the bass commands a powerful presence. The vocals are an At The Gates influenced growl; somewhat lacking variety they nevertheless form an excellent front to the music.
Co-produced with Eric Rutan, the multi-faceted sound is clear and well mixed, with all layers clearly audible, and when combined these result in a powerful recording. From Your Grave is by no means perfect however; there is little here you havent heard before, and by the end of the CD the songs can begin to feel samey. That said, if youre after some decent contemporary melodic death you need look no further than The Absence.
7/10
Official Metal Blade Records website
Official The Absence website
Metal Blade Records 2005
By Russell Garwood
The Absence hail from Tampa, Florida, and in between hurricanes play heavily Gothenburg influenced melodic death metal. Like the weather of their home state, the bands music is powerful and intent on destruction; distorted yet melodic guitars are choc full of hooks, memorable riffs and tuneful solos. The drums are precise and well performed, accentuating dynamic changes, while the bass commands a powerful presence. The vocals are an At The Gates influenced growl; somewhat lacking variety they nevertheless form an excellent front to the music.
Co-produced with Eric Rutan, the multi-faceted sound is clear and well mixed, with all layers clearly audible, and when combined these result in a powerful recording. From Your Grave is by no means perfect however; there is little here you havent heard before, and by the end of the CD the songs can begin to feel samey. That said, if youre after some decent contemporary melodic death you need look no further than The Absence.
7/10
Official Metal Blade Records website
Official The Absence website
