Ordeal
Atrocities
Shiver Records
8/10
In many ways, “Atrocities” is a record that takes you back to the days when death metal was birthed from the grave in the early nineties. Ordeal has studied this style of music a great deal in their substantial underground tenure, recalling the sounds of bands from Death to Monstrosity, while taking time to tweak songs like the ravaging “Anxiety” and the mid-tempo “Craving For Glory” in such a manner that they don’t sound like directly nostalgic interpretations. The latter track is a good example of the band’s ability to mix things up a bit, employing doomy breakdowns to drive home the point of the sufficiently skin-shredding main theme.
A bit of Paradise Lost creeps into “Gemini,” while the more intense passages speak the language of early Vader. Although Ordeal is a band that surely wears its influences on its sleeve, their strong execution makes for a worthwhile listen. As “Reversal” builds into an overpowering torrent of death, the band surprises with a very melodic bridge lapsing into complete blasting madness. Displaying such creativity makes all the difference in not being just another face in the crowd. This cut, in particular is a real standout in terms of creativity.
Let’s say that it’s great to see a group that can put a new focus on a successful formula without falling into the trappings of modern trends. You’ll find no hardcore shit or Gothenburg worship on this album, just pure, straight-up death metal the way it was intended to be played. “Atrocities” would be a welcome addition to the collection of any fan of the Morrisound days.
ERIN FOX © 2007 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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