Having enjoyed their last full length five years ago, nOn, it was good to see The Amenta back in LP land. Their blend of pseudo-industrial death metal caught my attention years ago and I was stoked when I heard this was coming out. On Flesh is Heir, the band picks back up with that same style, albeit it with a few lineup changes (notably ex-Pathogen growler Cain Cressall).
After a slow build up this one starts out fast, both literally and figuratively, with the title track. The industrial ambiance and Fear Factory-esque sounds will remind fans of their past work. The first 3 tracks are pure energy, and it’s obvious that the drums and bass guitar are what’s driving this ship. The guitars are solid, but no notable solos jump out on this album as it proves to be an earth-mover more than a show of technicality. Especially notable is the second track, “Ego Ergo Sum”, with a lurching intro that sees the band drop the pace just a touch in order to draw the listener in.
And just as you’re getting into the flow following the third song, what comes along but a pointless 3 minute noise track that does nothing but bring the aforementioned energy to a screeching halt. Following that “Obliterate’s Prayer” gets things back on the industrial train, and “Sewer” sees the band hitting the afterburners in a way that can’t help but bring a smile to your face. Again you get a 3 pack of songs before yet another momentum killing 5 minute noise/instrumental track has you reaching for the skip button.
“Disintegrate” follows the same smashing style of “Sewer” previously and then… what is this?!? Yet another 3 minutes of noise! Yeah I love that! SAID NO ONE EVER. (Side rant: I hope I live long enough to see 2 things in my life: 1. The Cubs win the World Series (ain’t happening). 2. Bands cut out pointless fucking intros/noise tracks that make me want to skip to track 2 immediately, or even worse thrown right into the middle of the damn album (cautiously optimistic). Ok rant over). Things end on a high note with “Tabula Rasa”, a fitting end to the steel-mill-like metal you’ve been listening to for the past half hour.
All in all a very heavy, enjoyable album, but let the music shine through and cut out the aforementioned waste of nearly 10 minutes. I bet this band would kill in a live setting. There’s a lot of talent on display here, but it would be nice to see them venture into more exploration on the guitar end. Plenty of room to grow in that category before the next album.
Find more articles with 2013, Kevin E, Listenable Records, Review, The Amenta
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Amenta’ that!
on May 14th, 2013 at 07:09Well played sir.
on May 14th, 2013 at 11:59This band has NEVER explored on the guitar end. Even back to their first album. If they haven’t done it by now, I wont be holding my breath for them to start doing it.
on May 15th, 2013 at 03:43haha, thanks. also, their new video for Teeth is pretty hellified.
on May 15th, 2013 at 05:12This is good- more Occassus-y chaos
on May 23rd, 2013 at 19:47