HUMILIATION (Malaysia)
Face The Disaster CD-EP
Nebiula Productions
It's been a long time since my last review, probably due to the insufficient time. Perhaps insufficient isn't the proper word to describe how much the same amount of time other people gets a day. Must be mismanagement of time, I'd say so, to be the most suitable excuse of my laziness.
Reviewing HUMILIATION, a young band which founded early 2009, is a hard job since I've been trapped inside a labyrinth that sure making the review a little bit bias. First, it was a friendship band, members that I've been knowing for so long. Secondly, the music genre is a my cup of tea. Yes, just spoon me with any of old school death metal, and I'll give my thumbs up (as a thank you sign for still holding to the root of evilness!).
History of HUMILIATION is somewhat bizarre. Bearbee (vocals) and Mudon (drums) are both from NIGHTSHADERS (formerly known as NIGHTSHADE). Due to several reasons, they left the band and formed HUMILIATION somewhere in this year (2009). The bassist is from DIMAN, and the guitarist is from OPPRESSOR BLOOD (if I'm not mistaken). After several rehearsal, they actually did record something and be pressed by Nebiula Productions, officially launched on 7th November 2009.
HUMILIATION play straight forward old school death metal, the kind that BOLT THROWER used to play until now. And I believe that the members are into old school dm as well. There are 4 tracks in this CD-EP. If you are searching for technical death metal, with over-filled solos and death-jazzy drumming, than I'd say that this CD-EP is totally not for you!
Why would I say that? It's because the music is so straight forward and simple, just like BOLT THROWER. Although HUMILIATION is still lack of unique riffs, I mean if you listen to BT, than you know it's them, know what I'm saying? Of course, it's probably impossible to be recognized just after releasing an EP, but as I said to them, the effort is there.
Track 1 (Nuclear Imaging) started with a mid-tempo, double bass beatings that is very catchy. There are some fast parts, although no blasting is needed. Just a simple sound of death metal. Simple chords but nice structures make this song is probably easy to listen and the allocation to become the first track is really a wise step.
Track 2 (Strategy) is probably the one which contains much BT sounds. This track is arranged in a manner which makes your legs started to moving, and it has been a great song after being provoked by the first track. The drum works are obviously so clean and represent the beat that rarely shown on other Malaysian death metal bands.
Track 3 (Fragging) is probably the best track from my opinion. Why? Simply because it has ups and downs in tempo and it doesn't take much time to wait for the singer to enter. Just a few riffs, and there came the vocals. Reason for liking that? I personally believe the connection between music and lyrics. Lyrics are important message that the band tried to convey, and I just hate it if a song had so many riffs/solos before coming to the vocal parts.
Track 4 (Battlefield) perhaps the heaviest track. Maybe because the guitar was recorded in multiple layers and making the sounds heavy. The double bass beatings are so consistent it probably needs nothing more on drum side. It probably a nice ending for this release.
The theme is simple, warfare! Just like BT, hehe. At least the writer doesn't have headaches to delve into his own feeling just to write the lyrics. Simple lyrics, no evil and such that stupidity to be claimed as black metal.
Overall, I think that 4 tracks are not enough. I feel that the songs are interconnected, the momentum is there, but due to the limited 4 tracks, I don't have a good climax. It should be more from this band. Further release is a must!
Band contact: humiliationband@gmail.com
Write now and order a copy of this CD-EP!!!
