BRUTALISM

This UK death/metalcore (not sure where this tag comes from!) troop feature the same drummer and one of the guitar talents of Hospital of Death (H.O.D.), the fun loving metal/thrash band from North West England. The opening track reminds me of Clawfinger, with its industrialised bouncy rhythmic attack until the near death metal riff starts to come out. Is it musical genius, or is it a stab at humour? There is a lot going on, trying to be progressive but losing some of the intensity along the way is an unfortunate trait. The ideas are there, just that little push for better recorded production would make it all that much professional, especially from the drums that sound sometimes thin in the earlier part of the EP. However, the sweeping guitar solo and riffs on the opening track ‘Usurper in the Dark’ are really infectious as things continue on its epic journey (I also include this reference to the intro of ‘The Mountain Moves’), it makes me want to play the EP more. ‘Mother, Father, Deep’ is a little disappointing in contrast until the lighter moments come and the solos come through your speakers. It actually reminds me of some Arch Enemy and Atheist moments being a hybrid of both. The point I am trying to make is that the instrumental parts are great without vocals, when played with some vocal lines it tends to sound chaotic. Neandertahl have flourishes of Carcass from their latter period (in terms of groove) with the prog-esq subtleties thrown in. But one cannot deny this band passion for the music and the behemoth of ideas that are brimming from my speakers is something to take note of.

Neandertahl has lots of good ideas but unfortunately have a few minor teething problems in the mix, however, it is genuinely worth a listen, especially ‘Timeless Guardian’.