Under Threat - Behind Mankind's Disguise
2003 - Conquest Records
By Philip Whitehouse
Go to the Conquest Records web site.
Conquest Records are home to such fine death metal acts as Vader and Monstrosity, and now they've released another slab of quality heaviness in the form of Columbian bruiser's Under Threat's second platter. The follow-up to 'Hipostasis' sees the band expanding their thrashy melodic death template and switching from singing in Spanish to English.
The sound is reminiscent of 'Projector'-era Dark Tranquillity mixed with a liberal dose of At The Gates, resulting in structurally complex, lead-heavy but catchy songs incorporating epic instrumental passages, slow-dark-and-moody sections, and some speedy death metal drumming and alternate-picked riffage. The variety of influences and sounds contained within takes a while to get used to (there's even an interesting take on power metal harmonies within several of the tracks), but once it clicks, you'll keep returning to this album and finding new riffs to salivate over and elements previously hidden in the chaotic, fiery maelstrom.
Impressive, top-notch stuff.
8/10
2003 - Conquest Records
By Philip Whitehouse
Go to the Conquest Records web site.
Conquest Records are home to such fine death metal acts as Vader and Monstrosity, and now they've released another slab of quality heaviness in the form of Columbian bruiser's Under Threat's second platter. The follow-up to 'Hipostasis' sees the band expanding their thrashy melodic death template and switching from singing in Spanish to English.
The sound is reminiscent of 'Projector'-era Dark Tranquillity mixed with a liberal dose of At The Gates, resulting in structurally complex, lead-heavy but catchy songs incorporating epic instrumental passages, slow-dark-and-moody sections, and some speedy death metal drumming and alternate-picked riffage. The variety of influences and sounds contained within takes a while to get used to (there's even an interesting take on power metal harmonies within several of the tracks), but once it clicks, you'll keep returning to this album and finding new riffs to salivate over and elements previously hidden in the chaotic, fiery maelstrom.
Impressive, top-notch stuff.
8/10
