Deathevokation - The Chalice of Ages

June 24, 2008

Reviewer: Jesse

These days it seems like when faced with a new death metal band, I almost have to expect some kind of frenzied technicality, brutal blastery or some lifeless ‘core screaming.  That’s what’s hip and it’s what gets signed.  I have to put my analytical hat on and can’t really enjoy it until I’ve let in sink in through several listens.  Well, that is unless that album happens to be Deathevokation’s debut, The Chalice of Ages.

What an absolutely refreshing surprise this album has been.  Deathevokation hearken back to a time when death metal had heart and conviction unlike a lot of the self-indulgent, chaotic bands around now.  I don’t mean any disrespect to that particular sect of death metal (hell, I listen to some it) nor do I want to sound ignorant towards their determination and the time they put into their work.  But back when marketing death metal was a laughable aspiration, bands weren’t trying to break speed records nor were they trying to incorporate as many time changes as possible into three minutes in order to mask their inability to write fluid, coherent songs.

If I might use a sports analogy; kids in high school and in college play the game to their fullest because they simply love to play and like to hang with the guys.  They’re not show-boating, know nothing of sponsorships and are blissfully ignorant about the corporate world looming in their future.  They don’t treat it like a job, they treat it like a passionate hobby.  That’s what I hear in Deathevokation.  I don’t hear any members trying to showcase themselves to look like an appealing free-agent to other courting bands looking for their services.  The singer doesn’t clench the mic in both hands and scream into it with both eyes crushed into the back of his skull while turning beet-red in the process.  The drummer doesn’t treat each song like it’s his personal solo and the guitarists aren’t so busy finger-tapping that they forget what song they’re playing.  This is a band that rejects trends, as cliché as that might sound.

Now, one might ask, maybe the fact that they don’t do any of that means that they just aren’t talented enough to do so.  On the contrary, writing memorable and cohesive songs is an art, a lost one at that, and don’t let anyone tell you differently.

So as for the album itself, what we have here is an hour-long riffing masterpiece that is as heavy as it is subtly destructive.  Usually it takes a listen or two before I become comfortable enough with an album to stop dissecting it and start enjoying it as I mentioned above.  Well, not even a few minutes into the first song, I was already doing the head-bob and getting lost in the heavy melody and chugging and didn’t stop until the timer hit zero.  It wasn’t until my fifth or sixth full listen before I really had to force myself to pick out certain instruments and aspects for critical journalistic reasons.  It really is that enjoyable of a listen.

One thing I’m huge on is vocals and as most people who know me will attest to, I’m a growl aficionado.  I love a good, unforced, coherent growl and Götz Vogelsang has just about as perfect as a growl can get in my book.  Powerful, decipherable and seems to come easily for him.  It’s a thing of beauty.

Not only are the majority of the songs fairly lengthy, but “Embers of a Dying World” and the title track are back-to-back nine minute beasts that never bore.  The ending to “Embers of a Dying World” is a beautiful segment of acoustics and a cello which really shows that there is no “one trick” to these guys’ talents, or at least their ear for song writing.

In the end, The Chalice of Ages should be heard by anyone looking for a trip back to the early nineties and for a memorable excursion into what death metal used to sound like.  This album was without a doubt, the death metal album of the year in 2007 if you ask me, by a country mile.

Release Date: February 2007
Label: Xtreem Music

TRACK LISTING

1.  Rites of Desecration
2.  Acherontic Epitaph
3.  The Monument
4.  Embers of a Dying World
5.  The Chalice of Ages
6.  Infinity Blights the Flesh
7.  Carrion
8.  Chunks of Meat
     (Antropomorphia cover)
9.  As My Soul Gazes Skywards

Total playing time: 1:00:58

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

TO THE TOP