And yet, like some extraterrestrial slime, this questionable art forms keeps growing, sucking in teenagers with stretched earlobes and an occasional Prince Albert via MySpace and Hot Topic. Oceano was even able to win listeners using a video of a “fight” at skate park show that looked as menacing as a game of rock-paper scissors.

The latest of the deathcore/metalcore bunch is England’s Viatrophy (formed from the ashes of former Candlelight act Seventh Cross, ) and their self-titled first album. There’s nothing new here. First, there’s the “take us seriously” musical opening “Lux Et Tenebris” and interludes like “Aurora” that are meant to make the band sound progressive. Then there’s the predictable chugging riffs and breakdowns. It all adds up to stale and redundant listening.

The only glimmers of hope are halfway through the album; the sixth track “Scenes of Extended Peril” is pared down, straightforward and punchy. “Sufferance” also has some strong thrashy moments. Viatrophy has command of their instruments and the guitar work requires ample dexterity. But vocalist Adam Mayes too frequently uses a vocal appr oach that mimics Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder, except he can’t pull of the growl and high-pitch alterations nearly as well.

It’s never fun to slag a young band trying to get a start, but Viatrophy isn’t worth your time. The music doesn’t stick with you and won’t move you anywhere except elsewhere in your collection.