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Somberlain: Sick artwork
23/07/08 || Euthanatos
Brazil seems to have a knack for Death Metal bands, God knows why. Maybe it’s the urban violence. Maybe it’s the heat. Maybe it’s the bananas. Who knows, and more importantly, who cares? The fact of the matter is, some of the better bands of the genre are coming out of that place, and one can only be thankful. Somberlain is of the new breed of Brazilian Death Metal (that would make a killer acronym. Remember, you read it here first!), “Sick Artwork” being their debut. And I can honestly tell you there isn’t much not to like here.
First of all, the vocals are fucking sick. Maybe the other band members arm themselves with tridents and stick them into vocalist Marco FoundDeath’s ass while he is recording. Maybe he’s just a very disturbed individual. Maybe he loves Christ, I don’t know. But he sure sings like hell’s demons are hounding him. The drums are also a high point of this band and album. They’re not overproduced, which can be common in Death Metal records, so Bruno Gabai’s talent truly shines here. Another great Brazilian drummer to add to the ever-growing list.
Extra brownie points for the riffs, which also have to be commended. Everything about this album reeks of desperation, it seems the world is about to end, all the women of the world have become stags, alcohol has been permanently banned, God is on his way down to sweep the unbelievers, what have you. The atmosphere of death, chaos, destruction is overwhelming, and it’s hard to listen to this album and not feel the cold grasp of despair. This is evil stuff.
Just as a reference, no, they’re not a Dissection-like act, even though influences are perceptible, they’re more into the Morbid Angel, Behemoth, Vader type of metal.
Did I mention the production? I don’t think I did yet, apart from the drums. Even though this is an independent release, I’ll be damned if this isn’t one mind-blowing album production. Seriously, not to have a record label backing these guys up and get a solid sound like this is highly admirable. Perfect? No, as usual, no bass is discernible, as it seems to ever be the trend (or flaw) in Death Metal. With a debut like this, one can only hope Somberlain will keep thriving and pushing for more. They certainly have the talent and the creativity for it. Go get ‘em, tigers. Roar.
The cover: First, let me point out that I really liked the booklet. Very nice stuff. But I have no idea what the fuck is going on with the cover. No praise here.
8.5 monkeys in the jungle banging their heads to Satan out of 10.
- Information
- Released: 2007
- Label: Independent release
- Website: Somberlain MySpace
- Band
- Marco “FoundDeath”: vocals
- Delano Lima: bass
- Fabrício Carvalho: guitars
- Luiz Araújo: guitars
- Bruno Gabai: drums
- Tracklist
- 01. Sick ArtWork
- 02. Elements from Within
- 03. Humanity’s Funeral
- 04. The Mourning
- 05. Miserable’s Throne
- 06. Swamp of Despair
- 07. Intentions of the Human Esteem
- 08. Awakening in the Darkness
- 09. Evolvement Martydom
- 10. Disdain for the Mob
