| Reviews for Severance (US)'s Suffering in Humanity |
| Dark, brutal, underground death metal aggression. - 90% |
| Written by darkfiend
on November 2nd, 2009
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| Veteran Texas dark death metal fiends Severance are likely the most underrated band in today's death metal underground. This is a band who have existed in one incarnation or another since 1989, stayed true to their death metal origins, and persevered many setbacks and obstacles to remain a strong, if underrated underground death metal force who attack with high level, brutal, dark, aggressive death metal. Indeed, the key word here is underground, as many a death metal band who formed in the same era have gone on to achieve more recognition and success, while Severance have struggled to achieve similar acclaim despite being equal if not superior to many better known death metal bands. Nonetheless, the band has managed to unleash several very capable and impressive recordings with time, achieving at least some notable acclaim and support after all, including an EP and debut album with cult and now defunct death metal labels Drowned Productions and Repulse Records respectively, both of course operated by Dave Rotten of Avulsed fame. After establishing themselves on the international death metal underground with their debut album 'What Lies Ahead' via several versions with different record labels, Severance attacked from the underground with their second album 'Suffering In Humanity' via US underground death metal label Goregiastic Records in 2006. Following an impressive debut album such as 'What Lies Ahead' would not be an easy task, but seeing Severance have always improved with every recording, I was confident the band would succeed as such again, and with my first listen to the album, it was obvious the band didn't disappoint. Blasting with the first track 'Rejuvena-Dead', the band sets the pace for a blistering attack of fierce, highly capable, and memorable, dark, brutal death metal that stands its own ground among countless generic death metal bands in the underground. This is an album that covers all the dimensions of a fine death metal album: songwriting, musicianship, production, sound, and raw, brutal heaviness and darkness abound. 'Suffering In Humanity' is the first appearance for vocalist Mike Mena. A very capable and energetic brutal death growler, Mena is a worthy replacement for departed long time Severance vocalist Joe Vasquez. Mena's vocal style is slightly different from that of Vasquez, nonetheless is equally suitable and complementing for the band's sound. With vocals sounding somewhat like a mix of old Deicide and Banished [post Baphomet], Mena achieves sufficient guttural power, reaching a suitably low pitch, as well as ample voice and aggressive emotion. The album also marks the first appearance of guitarist Joe Dan De La Rosa. Considering the sound of Severance has with time become characteristically composed of a twin lead/rhythm guitar attack, the band has somehow managed to always maintain this dimension of their sound despite numerous personnel changes in the guitar department since their original line up. De La Rosa is no exception, as this recording demonstrates a well executed twin guitar attack with both lead and rhythm guitars, proving De La Rosa and long time guitarist Ralph Gutierrez have formed a formidable death metal guitar duo. Memorable riffs are abound, and even more so, the twin lead attack is distinguishable and effective, setting the band apart from countless other death metal bands in the more modern era, many of whom have neglected lead guitar altogether. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Abel Barrera and drummer and founding member Jaime Perez, completes the band's sound with a highly effective wall of power. Songwriting is a dimension which remains consistent across all songs of the album, so much so that despite repeated listens, it is difficult to distinguish any songs as highlights or favourites. The band excels in all dynamics required to compose effective death metal songs, including blasting speed, mid to fast thrashing power, & crushing slow heaviness. Adding to the band's distinctive dark, aggressive sound is the use of a dark sounding death choir of demonic growling backing vocals Worthy of mention is that the band further achieves musical depth via two atmospheric acoustic instrumentals, one mid-album interlude titled 'Suffering', the other an album closing outro titled 'Inhumanity' [a good play of the words comprising the album's title, good concept]. In particular, the former achieves a somber and mournful atmosphere, with mourning female cries accompanying the acoustic guitar. Also worth noting is a cover of cult 80's Chilean deathrashers Pentagram, and their song 'Fatal Predictions'. This is a rather effective cover song, capturing the spirit of the original version, while given a step in pace, and complemented with Severance's own sound. Production and sound were already mentioned as strong areas. The album benefits greatly from a recording that sounds professional and modern, as well as sounding distinctly raw, dark, and underground. Nothing more needs be said about this album, other than it is highly recommended for fans of dark, brutal, semi-technical underground death metal aggression, and that it should achieve more much deserved acclaim and recognition for Severance. |