Slave Zero Reviews

Metal Team UK

http://www.metalteamuk.net/aug09reviews/cdreviews-slavezero.htm

Ireland’s Slave Zero have been around for a few years and they have received some good reviews for their previous releases. Ever the professional outfit (the press pack accompanying this CD for one is impressive) things have now developed to the release of their first full-length album/CD, call it what you will.

The band has clearly moved on from the sounds of ‘The Pain Remits’. There are still those sometime annoying hardcore vocals, but there is a bit more brutal death metal vocal style for you boys and girls out there, leaving some of their thrash roots behind. I like this approach, I wish this style ran through the entire CD actually, but you cannot have everything! Kicking off with the title track, there is clear intent to destroy. Pummelling double kick drums and some frantic chords produce a crescendo of ideas. The only thing that is a little off is the snare drum sound, whilst providing the battering ram accompaniment, it’s a little thin on the recording on the opening track but the death metal groove makes up for this, and it progressively gets all together heavier, like later from the second track ‘Antidote to Suffering’. This one tends to flicker between screaming and the guttural vocals (similar to what Gorerotted used to do) the rhythmic syncopation of the guitars really does suit this band well. More screaming, then unfortunately more hardcore vocal angst, with sweeping riffs that are something of a death metal must-have, but it all actually fits well, even if there are some personal reservations about the hardcore vocal parts.

It looks like the band is going for the longest track titles in the genre; examples include ‘Engineering Opportunities to “Ordain” the Innocent’ and ‘Impervious Determination Undermining a Malignant Ambition’. These little tongue twisters prove to be head-bashers, with ‘Engineering…’ pig squealing its way through tight riffs and frantic solos. Not only with the titles but musically you can hear early Carcass things going on when it all goes a little mad in places. Some of the best guitar work for me can be found on ‘A Sacrifice for the Greater God’, but again much hardcore vocal inclusion tends to destroy good metal riffs and songs.

This is an album that you should really check out and give support to. These gents clearly have talent and a statement to survive and push forward their musical vision. Whilst there is a death metal overtone, subtle undertones of hardcore, thrash and grind fills your eardrums with a pleasurable experience. A good album from a promising band.

Paul Maddison