Zeenon Arbor Vitae
Self-released EP 2004
By Russell Garwood
Norways Zeenon play crushing, heavily Morbid Angel influenced death metal. Thrash touches betray their former style, giving the music a tighter feel than much similar work. The guitars are grinding, with crunchy riffs and a bludgeoning rhythm section, while sporadic disharmonies make for a traditional American death sound. The bass is driving and precise, coping with the numerous time changes easily. This is aided by the clinical execution of the drums. Pummelling double bass, regular blasts and accurate fills work to enhance the rigid tempo changes. The growls are a mid-range to guttural rasp, fitting for the music and impressive considering the sex of the vocalist. Yes, what we are dealing with here unusually is a three-quarters female band. Aside from the requisite male drummer, the twisted noises on Arbor Vitae are the work of three women. Rather unusual in death metal, it must be said, but not enough to sell the band alone.
Luckily such a selling point isnt wholly necessary, as the music here is solid. While there is little originality on display, the band members are all able musicians, and the songs are, well, as competently written as this style can be. A self-released EP, Arbor Vitae has well balanced, clear production, and professional packaging. At four songs it is short, but heavy enough to be effective. For fans of traditional death albeit with a superficial twist this is well worth checking out.
7/10
Official Zeenon Homepage
Self-released EP 2004
By Russell Garwood
Norways Zeenon play crushing, heavily Morbid Angel influenced death metal. Thrash touches betray their former style, giving the music a tighter feel than much similar work. The guitars are grinding, with crunchy riffs and a bludgeoning rhythm section, while sporadic disharmonies make for a traditional American death sound. The bass is driving and precise, coping with the numerous time changes easily. This is aided by the clinical execution of the drums. Pummelling double bass, regular blasts and accurate fills work to enhance the rigid tempo changes. The growls are a mid-range to guttural rasp, fitting for the music and impressive considering the sex of the vocalist. Yes, what we are dealing with here unusually is a three-quarters female band. Aside from the requisite male drummer, the twisted noises on Arbor Vitae are the work of three women. Rather unusual in death metal, it must be said, but not enough to sell the band alone.
Luckily such a selling point isnt wholly necessary, as the music here is solid. While there is little originality on display, the band members are all able musicians, and the songs are, well, as competently written as this style can be. A self-released EP, Arbor Vitae has well balanced, clear production, and professional packaging. At four songs it is short, but heavy enough to be effective. For fans of traditional death albeit with a superficial twist this is well worth checking out.
7/10
Official Zeenon Homepage
