She Said Destroy

Time Like Vines

Nocturnal Art Productions 2006

What an unusual name for such an unusual and brilliant band.  Sindre of Obliteration kept talking these guys up and saying I just had to check them out so I finally did and man am I happy I did.  Hailing from Norway, SSD level me with some of the most intricately thoughtful death metal in recent memory.  There are some parts in here that remind me a little of the technicality and ferocity of the ancient Floridian masters, Athiest.  A good example of this is the part at about the one minute mark during the Title track.  But SSD is a slithering and bewildering beast all on its own, alternating between soothing guitar rhythms to unbridled death metal ferocity and back again.  I can't quite think of anyone in the scene right now that these guys sound a lot like.  They sort of give me a feeling of listening to something futuristic, painting landscapes of alternate realities within my mind.  I love the calming, almost melodic moments that permeate songs such as Der Untergeher and the instrumental soundscaping of I Sense a Tempest Arising.  The production is good although I am not a huge fan of the sound they have used on the snare drum.  It sounds a little thin and hollow but I guess in the grand scheme of things, that is a small complaint.  Anders and Snorre combine to give us some of the most brutal vocals since maybe Demilich.  Just like the music contained on the disc the art direction (courtesy of Kim Solve) is very untypical of what one would expect from an extreme metal group such as She Said Destroy.  Nocturnal Art really landed themselves a superb death metal outfit here.  They are going to be supporting Celtic Frost here in London and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing them live.  Based on the music from Time Like Vines I expect to be amazed.