V28

NonAnthropogenic

Vendlus Records 2003

Having never heard of this band I didn't know what to expect.  But as I began to explore this musical soundscape of black influenced death metal I was taken aback.  The way the riffs flow in a staggered wash is great.  I know this isn't an accurate description but it's just the words that suit me as to what I am hearing.  The transition the guitars make from the heavy death riffs into the expansive contemplative riffs that exude class and atmosphere is flawless.  Dead Shining Star is a prefect example of this sort of transition/combination.  There is a sense of sorrow mixed in with the heaviness on display here.  On the track Perspective they start out with a sample of the movie "Pi" which is one of my all time favorites. (If you haven't seen it, do it!)  The use of this movie is an insight as to the themes that the music embodies.  The music operates on an intellectual level that transcends both time and space.  Eddie Risdal's vocals border on black metal but are a little too deep and guttural to be considered such.  LRZ does a great production job that combines both an organic and sterile feeling to the music.  I know this sounds like a contradiction but if you listen to the music you will understand what I mean.  Also they use a drum machine but it is not blatant like say, uuuhhhhmmm…Mysticum.  I usually can't stand drum machines so it was a good choice to make them sound almost human.  Heh heh.  The packaging is kind of futuristic without being too far out there.  For some reason this album puts images of deep space in my head.  It has that desolate kind of feel to it.  This album will appeal to both black metallers and death metallers alike.  Had I known about this release in 2003 it would have made my top 5 for that year.  That's how impressed I am with this album.  So go out and get it.