Mental Torment - On The Verge
Death Doom. A combination of Death Metal and Doom Metal. Bandʼs like Mental Torment combine the two genres of metal to create slow atmospheric heavily distorted crushing music. The music is like an enormous wall crashing down on a society very slowly. Mental Torment really knows how to stretch out their songs too because most of their songs are around seven minutes. These Ukrainianʼs do leave a strong impression with their debut album “On the Verge”. However, that impression may take some time as the album is no short and simple release. Exaggerated guitar riffs are a main theme on each track. The band messes around with different tempos, so the drumming creates these unique Doom Metal rhythms that seem to morph overtime compared to the other instruments. Another tool Mental Torment uses to create long universal wide sounding atmospheric songs is by coming up with mellow keyboard and piano parts. With the keyboards I like how they are used do create dark transient atmospheres which give the songs a mesmerizing edge.
The album starts out with a pleasantly sounding introduction called, The Path to Shining. Notes are lightly exaggerated by the guitarist to give the introduction a soothing effect that leads into the next song Maelstrom. Once Maelstrom begins the drums come in pounding like monstrous waves against a drone guitar riff filled sea. Then the vocalist starts growling out the haunting lyrics. To me this song is the epitome of atmospheric Doom Death Metal. All the elements are tied together to making a gloomy piece of music. On the next track appropriately called, My Torment, I can hear Mental Torment staying true to the Death Doom sound on Maelstrom. These guys are extremely consistent with their slow heavy crushing musical theme. I wish there was more variation on this album, but Mental Torment primarily focuses on slow Doom with a Death edge. The last track Tragedy is probably the one song which deviates from the other songs. On Tragedy Mental Torment finishes the album off with a cosmic sounding keyboard layered track.
Overall I liked how the album sounded and thought that Mental Torment did a great job presenting their style of Death Doom. Unfortunately after hearing a couple lengthy tracks off this album I was starting to loose interest. In no way am I saying their musicianship and talent caused me to loose interest, but with Death Doom Metal I feel bands need to experiment with their sound to keep listeners fully engaged. “On the Verge” is a decent first display of Mental Tormentʼs talents and may they keep working hard to improve their Death Doom sound. I highly recommend this album for those who love the combination of Death Metal and Doom Metal.
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The album starts out with a pleasantly sounding introduction called, The Path to Shining. Notes are lightly exaggerated by the guitarist to give the introduction a soothing effect that leads into the next song Maelstrom. Once Maelstrom begins the drums come in pounding like monstrous waves against a drone guitar riff filled sea. Then the vocalist starts growling out the haunting lyrics. To me this song is the epitome of atmospheric Doom Death Metal. All the elements are tied together to making a gloomy piece of music. On the next track appropriately called, My Torment, I can hear Mental Torment staying true to the Death Doom sound on Maelstrom. These guys are extremely consistent with their slow heavy crushing musical theme. I wish there was more variation on this album, but Mental Torment primarily focuses on slow Doom with a Death edge. The last track Tragedy is probably the one song which deviates from the other songs. On Tragedy Mental Torment finishes the album off with a cosmic sounding keyboard layered track.
Overall I liked how the album sounded and thought that Mental Torment did a great job presenting their style of Death Doom. Unfortunately after hearing a couple lengthy tracks off this album I was starting to loose interest. In no way am I saying their musicianship and talent caused me to loose interest, but with Death Doom Metal I feel bands need to experiment with their sound to keep listeners fully engaged. “On the Verge” is a decent first display of Mental Tormentʼs talents and may they keep working hard to improve their Death Doom sound. I highly recommend this album for those who love the combination of Death Metal and Doom Metal.
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1. The Path To Shining (intro)
2. Maelstrom
3. My Torment
4. Unspoken Word
5. Cold Rusted Flame
6. I See This End
7. Tradegy
8. The Drowned Man
2. Maelstrom
3. My Torment
4. Unspoken Word
5. Cold Rusted Flame
6. I See This End
7. Tradegy
8. The Drowned Man
Label: http://solitude-prod.com
Reviewer: twansibon
May 17, 2013
May 17, 2013
Next review:
In Utero Cannibalism - Sick
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