DEATHGAZE - genocide and mass murder

It's always a bit nerve-racking listening to the first full album from a band of which you have high hopes. I expected great things from DEATHGAZE and I'm happy to say I am not disappointed.

If you are already a fan of DEATHGAZE, there is plenty to look forward to on this album (including a re-hashing of their first mini-album) and no one can accuse them of getting soft. If you like your music a bit more on the mellow side, or are a fan of their latest single Fuhai to Fusei, you too will find a lot to appreciate here.

Variety and tightness are the most noticeable characteristics of Genocide & Mass Murder. Some songs, such as Venom, The Fist and 294036224052, are heavy, fast and relentless (fun tracks to revel in), a couple are power-ballads, like Proof and Gethsemane, while the majority combine hard and loud with more gentle and delicate techniques.

In this album, it seems like DEATHGAZE do everything, but without at any point giving the impression of 'mish-mashes' or indecision. On the contrary, the compositions are very controlled and the playing tight. The vocals are no exception, having a variety that combines screaming and growling with whispering or clear and soaring powerful singing, sometimes changing even from one line to the next. Rhythms are pounding and relentless, yet the songs are varied in pace and good use is made of drum breaks and quieter areas which provide interest without the songs losing any of their impetus.

Each instrument also gets a chance to stand out and there is no feeling of imbalance or of one instrument getting sidelined. I have to say, though, that for me personally the drumming is particularly impressive, full of energy and complexity. Guitar solos don't abound, but when they arrive they are fitting and carry a very nice tone. Good and subtle use is made of different textures and techniques in the guitar and bass - pretty arpeggios in Proof, bends and pinch harmonics in SxSxDxD, some cool bass work in Gethsemane and Disease, to name just a few.

DEATHGAZE use backing vocals to good effect in Grave and some songs such as In the darkness the rain the world where it became corrupted, Proof and Mr Freak provide surprisingly fluid choruses. There are some slightly soporific and trippy FX on SxSxDxD, with the heavier portions saving it from self-indulgent weirdness. Miscarriage has an intricate, unusual guitar line, which is light without being over-pretty.

What can I say? Head-banging material, catchy sing-along choruses, delicate arpeggios, sexy whispering, mad yelling, intense drumming, big sounds and cunning detail - this album has it all.

My criticisms: not enough guitar solos for my taste (only two on the album) and a couple of songs which were not particularly special and could have been lifted to something a bit more exciting. However, it is still an excellent album and definitely a must-listen if you like heavy or slightly-heavy music.

Personal faves: Proof, Dies Irae, Miscarriage, Mr Freak.
Personal least faves: Gethsemane, Disease.

Overall score: 8.5/10 for variety and sheer instrumental/vocal skill, with just a slight reservation about a couple of the tracks which were a tad pedestrian.

FREELANCE REVIEW BY:
Kinsao