Through the Eyes of the Dead Malice
Prosthetic Records 10046-2 August 21, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Until the day we are dead, we are in constant misery, new Through the Eyes of the Dead vocalist Nate Johnson (ex-Premonitions of War) barks in the title track of the bands sophomore follow-up to their Prosthetic debut Bloodlust. For those whove been paying attention to this up-and-coming group, Malice is heavier and more brutal than Bloodlust probably due to recent, line-up changes and Erik Rutans (Hate Eternal, ex-Morbid Angel) killer, production job. And while it could be argued that Malice is bereft of emotion and gray matter, its a blistering effort that is easier to comprehend than Beneath the Massacres blur-fest Mechanics of Dysfunction (also courtesy of Prosthetic), and could, in fact, serve as a worthy alternative.
Most of this 39-minute album emphasizes brutality over melody, unlike their previous, and Malice further aligns Through the Eyes of the Dead with the death metal subgenre, even if many pigeonhole them with the deathcore or modern metal tag. Either way, songs like Failure in the Flesh, The Undead Parade, To Wage a War, and others range from mid-to-fast-pace, but crush no matter the tempo. Johnsons meaty growls are a great addition to the fold. Again, though, this seems to be the type of record you play when you want aggressive, hard-hitting metal that requires little concentration. Despite that, theres a general swagger, and noticeable melody, about tunes such as A Catastrophe of Epic Proportions, As Good As Dead, and To the Ruins.
Though Malice is a stable outing in its own right, I envision it acting as a substitute for those who find Beneath the Massacre too fast and too busy. Through the Eyes of the Deads latest is a fun yet punishing listen that should get queued up now and again. Lets pray the next one is more challenging, but no less engaging, with equally pleasing artwork.
Official Through the Eyes of the Dead Website
Official Prosthetic Records Website
Prosthetic Records 10046-2 August 21, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Until the day we are dead, we are in constant misery, new Through the Eyes of the Dead vocalist Nate Johnson (ex-Premonitions of War) barks in the title track of the bands sophomore follow-up to their Prosthetic debut Bloodlust. For those whove been paying attention to this up-and-coming group, Malice is heavier and more brutal than Bloodlust probably due to recent, line-up changes and Erik Rutans (Hate Eternal, ex-Morbid Angel) killer, production job. And while it could be argued that Malice is bereft of emotion and gray matter, its a blistering effort that is easier to comprehend than Beneath the Massacres blur-fest Mechanics of Dysfunction (also courtesy of Prosthetic), and could, in fact, serve as a worthy alternative.
Most of this 39-minute album emphasizes brutality over melody, unlike their previous, and Malice further aligns Through the Eyes of the Dead with the death metal subgenre, even if many pigeonhole them with the deathcore or modern metal tag. Either way, songs like Failure in the Flesh, The Undead Parade, To Wage a War, and others range from mid-to-fast-pace, but crush no matter the tempo. Johnsons meaty growls are a great addition to the fold. Again, though, this seems to be the type of record you play when you want aggressive, hard-hitting metal that requires little concentration. Despite that, theres a general swagger, and noticeable melody, about tunes such as A Catastrophe of Epic Proportions, As Good As Dead, and To the Ruins.
Though Malice is a stable outing in its own right, I envision it acting as a substitute for those who find Beneath the Massacre too fast and too busy. Through the Eyes of the Deads latest is a fun yet punishing listen that should get queued up now and again. Lets pray the next one is more challenging, but no less engaging, with equally pleasing artwork.
Official Through the Eyes of the Dead Website
Official Prosthetic Records Website
