Once again, we here at teethofthedivine are trying to champion the independent acts self releasing their CDs. After all, did I really need to review the new Winds of Plague?
On tap here is Finland’s melodic death metal duo Among the Mortals, and it’s a classic example of sometimes excellent music hindered by a low quality recording, often the bane of self released albums. Musically, and guitar wise I’m getting a bit of Scholomance (especially with some of the proggy, neoclassical keyboard/piano work and blacker raspy vocals) Sculptured vibe as the structures are much more progressive and serpentine rather than the usual Gothenburg canter and gallop.
The CD starts out very strongly with the excellent “Beyond Divinity”, a truly progressive piece of work, that’s only a better production away from being a really special number as the really tinny, thin sound is really rather detrimental. And its a real shame because a number of the following tracks are equally as lithe and melodic but driven by a far more experimental, unpredictable and slightly melancholic structures.
The likes of “Weep, You Lifeless” and instrumental “Distant Mist” show a confidence in the guitar work that’s adventurous and full of shifts and solos that much more than mere melo-death lip service. But along with the aforementioned production values, comes a little inconsistency as the CDs latter stages seem much more convoluted and wandering, especially longer songs like the jazzy “Ad Noctum” and “Pygmalion”. And it doesn’t help that with the rather varied song structures, the drumming is a little off here and there. They tighten things up though to close with the controlled, somber strokes of “The Darkened Path”.
That all being said, this sis still a really promising outfit and you’d be ignorant to dismiss this act despite their production and consistency values. If they can get those resolved, there is an awful lot of playing skill and song writing potential to like here.
