Review Summary: An interesting and fresh death metal release, focusing on music that is unique, yet effective.
It can always be refereshing to find music that is seldom heard, yet just as good as some of the best death metal that can found in the genre; so is the case with Polish death metal band Immemorial's second LP release "After Deny". Since their formation in 1997, these death metal experts have done nothing other than put out quality material[although it has been 9 years since this albums release]. "After Deny" contains some of the most unique and complex riffing patterns known the genre, also being the main notable characteristic of this album. It must be noted, however, that the complexity of riffs with this LP should NEVER be taken as an attempt into the realms of "technical death metal". Rather, the style of osdm would be the closest tag; but the riffing approach within that realm is the only technicality.
The guitar riffs and drum patterns are always in the forefront. Ex-drummer from "Mistrust" is always matching the complexity of every one of Mlody's guitar riffs. "Angel of Sorrow" contains inter-riff patterns that change tempo and revert on the split of a dime. The constant use of "hooks" within passages are also album stand outs, which is the case in tracks like "Day of Anger" where blast beat contain multiple fill hooks while the guitars throw in well fitted, last second sweeps. The track songs are of appropriate length, being just long enough to progress the song, but not too long, where the complexity of track can't be absorbed.
It must be noted that the vocalist is a female, but in this case I urge all to not be deterred by this fact. Vocalist Karla Czertowicz executes a phenomenal performance, using higher pitched death vocals that have similarities to Angela Gossows of Arch Enemy; but contains a much greater gritty factor, adding to the grimy atmosphere created by Immemorial. She easily adds a sense of enjoyment to jazzy death metal riffs like the ones found in "Wooden Box"; with lyrics that focus on the reappraisal of "man's" denials.
With two solid LP's under their belt, Immemorial should be considered as being one of the best obscure, yet effective death metal bands of our day. For those that are looking for a fresh listen, due to the immense stagnancy of the genre, "After Deny" should be more than capable of satisfying that desire.
