Precision is one of the most important elements of any band. Understanding the band’s direction band’s sound can lead to some truly phenomenal focused albums. Returning this year Dew-Scented unleash their latest strike in validity.
[tracklist]
1. Declaration Of Intent
2. On A Collision Course
3. Scars Of Creation
4. Affect Gravity
5. Means To An End
6. Ode To Extinction
7. Demon Seed
8. Power Surge
9. Ruptured Perpetually
10. Living Lies
11. Atavistic
12. Reborn
13. Those Who Will Not See
14. Survival Reaction
15. Radiation Sickness
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]55:00[/length]
[record_label]Metal Blade[/record_label]
[release_date]June 12th 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
Dew-Scented return this year with absolute pin point accuracy as their endgame. From the moment this album kicks off its a no holds barred adrenaline ride. Where some might have a varied pace Intermination goes full throttle. Save for track “Living Lies” which even to call slow is a push. Very rarely pausing for a moment of respite the thrash assault on “Atavistic” is as meticulous as what we have come to expect from the band.
Though if you’re thinking that all this speed would be forsaking groove then you are sorely wrong. The band might unleash hell, however the mid pace returns in the chorus. Take “Means To An End” where the verse is a thrash flurry then moved into the chorus we hear the half time classic style adopted by the genre. Intermination is a very vicious record biting at the heels constantly incorporating elements from classic Death Metal to create an even more remorseless attack. The dour introduction of “Ode To Extinction” featuring a lone bass line is soon joined by frenetic guitar work along with thought out drum patterns.
One of the strings to Dew-Scented’s well crafted bow is the fluidity in which the band move from sections. Often seamlessly, take the grooving “Demon Seed” opening with a double kick half time feel before moving back into familiar territory. As an album the record is excellently structured, tight and incredibly deadly. My only problem with the record was that I couldn’t seem to be able to differentiate between songs. Fifteen songs on an album is a fans dream, but it can often leave for filler. Nevertheless the final four tracks on the album are all covers of classic thrash veterans. Fantastic for those who adore the genre but potentially a little boring for those less inclined.
All this means is that to listen to the record from start to finish might be slightly arduous some of the less fanatic Dew-Scented followers. Listening to a couple of tracks on their own? Incredible. The band know exactly where the progression of the song should go, with front man Leif Jensen consistently delivering that extinction inspired howl, again more from a Death Metal perspective than perhaps a thrash niche. Not only does “Scars Of Creation” have riffs that will have you banging your head long after the track has finished but they utilise memorable hooks in lead sections. Midway through we’re treated to a choice solo from “Affect Gravity” injecting the sense of melody so often lost in the mix in bands of the modern day.
Technicality exhibited on the album is stellar, with each instrumentalist truly owning their respective craft. Intimidatingly so, the sense of ease that solo’s are pulled out of the bag, driving rhythm sections are created. “Ruptured Perpetually” see’s all of the elements spoken above coalesce to perform a truly devastating song.
What Dew-Scented have delivered is an album that works phenomenally at what it should. The creation may be formulaic in each song but it’s undeniable that when it hits, it’s truly earth shatteringly heavy. Though previously the band have released calculated records Intermination has set it’s sights to kill. If you don’t mind the formulaic patterns then this is out and out a fantastic record. Where pin point accuracy is the band’s bedrock with Intermination is a fantastic focused, coldly calculating aural assault.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it is very much Dew-Scented’s mission statement with Intermination. An absolutely solid album of decimating death/thrash though in remaining tight, the band may have slightly forgone creativity.[/why]
