Technical(ly) Death Metal
A small departure from my last review, this time I am diving into the waters of “technical death metal”, according to Metal Archives. On deck we have Nightmarer with their 2nd full length album, “Deformity Adrift” due out May 5th, 2023 on Total Dissonance Worship.
The reason I say “according to Metal Archives”, is because this is how the band is classified on the website. However, I strongly associate the term “technical death metal” with bands such as Atheist, Necrophagist, Spawn Of Possession, and the text-book definition of technical death metal, late-era Death.
Spending some time with “Deformity Adrift”, it absolutely has technical elements, but those are not necessarily it’s defining points. “Deformity Adrift” falls nicely in line with the “dissonant death metal” tag – apt description considering the label; think of bands like Hooded Menace and Temple Of Void. Thick, oozing, atmosphere with some light technicality in the riffs and drum fills to give it some life.
Tight Production
“Deformity Adrift” is relatively short at just over 31 minutes, which makes this an easily digestible offering. More so, it’s pleasant to listen to. Dual guitars is what give this album it’s “dissonant” feel. While one guitar is pummeling along with the drums, the second guitar provide the atmosphere with long, drawn out harmonics; bass drops give the songs their depth – YES, there is bass on this album.
While the songs are fairly short, longest song is 5 minutes, they still provide room to breath, dancing in and around and between the chaotic and the stillness.
Not Without Fault
Songs can feel a bit “same-y”, there is not much in the way of variety in the makeup of the songs. What you hear in the opening track “Brutalist Imperator” you will here again in the closing track, “Obliterated Shrine”. Not bad per se, but having something else to chew on would’ve been a nice addition. Overall, nice job!
For fans of: Hooded Menace, Temple Of Void and Deathspell Omega
My rating scale:
1 Star: STAY AWAY. Far away.
2 Stars: Major flaws but you gave it a chance. Destined for the bargain bin.
3 Stars: Overall, it’s okay despite some obvious flaws. Fanboys can get enjoyment out of it it but someone who is more critical may have an issue with it. Buy at a discount or while on sale.
4 Stars: Nearly perfect. A must listen and well suited to add to your collection.
5 Stars: BUY IT NOW, no questions asked. I don’t care if you don’t like [insert genre]
Check out “Deformity Adrift” below!
| Band: Nightmarer |
| Album: Deformity Adrift |
| World Wide Release: May 5, 2023 |
| Label: Total Dissonance Worship |
| Favorite Track: Suffering Beyond Death |
In Other News…
My favorite time of the year is approaching, no its not Halloween, its the MOTHERFUCKING METAL SWAP MEET! On October 21, 2023 be prepared to get blasted with beer, meat and HEAVY METAL at Protector Brewery @ 8680 Miralani Dr, San Diego CA. 92136. Tons of opportunities to meet new and old friends, thumb through the album racks and pick up that record you’ve been searching for, come and see the unholy and almighty NIGHT DEMON or stop by my booth and say “hi!” and talk metal. Stay tuned to the Metal Swap Meet Facebook group as well as this very website for future updates.
-Eric Reeder 5/3/23