Decieverion

Here's another release that you can file away in the 'generally unoriginal but flawlessly executed' category. There's nothing particularly creative about Decieverion's music, but it has such a unified aesthetic and professional execution that you can't help but enjoy it. Playing a relatively melodic and somewhat epic variety of USBM, Decieverion's self-titled EP manages to hold some really great songs despite having essentially no original ideas. If you can't be unique, you should be making music like this, where the execution manages to more than make up for any real lack of massive inspiration.

Variation is what makes this such a nice release: faster, blasting sections contrast with militaristic midpaced ones and the occasional, slow, epic stomp like on halfway through 'In The Name Of All That Is Heathen'. Every track on this EP is rather substantial in length, but sustains its' running time through a wide variety of musical ideas and a supremely narrative style of songwriting. A strict refusal to adhere to verse-chorus format makes for very vast, journey-like musical compositions which end in a very different place than they begin. This linear variety of writing is upheld by the content of the music itself, which is of an extremely high quality throughout. Though not completely riff-based, the guitars on this release craft some excellent, if derivative melodies which are bolstered significantly by an excellent, heavy production job, deft drumwork and searing vocals.

The closest band I can compare this to is Axis Of Advance in that band's more melodic moments, which is always a positive comparison to make. Decieverion have an excellent sense of pacing in their music, with new riffs and musical ideas introduced at a steady and enjoyable pace, but not affecting change for the sake of change. Every one of the tracks feels meticulously planned, as though the framework of the song itself was laid out long before riffcraft or lyrics were started. The result of all this preparation is a remarkably cohesive and mature work from such an unknown band, and exactly the sort of thing the underground black metal scene needs more of.

It's unfortunate that these guys haven't really done anything since 2004; a full-length from Decieverion would be greatly welcomed by myself and I'm sure numerous others. That being said, this EP is in no way a poor legacy to leave; it has you wanting more but still oddly satisfied that such a supremely consistent work can be crafted after black metal has been around so long. Highly recommended for underground black metal fans.

I only became aware of Decieverion because of Cazz "The Black Lourde of Crucifixion" Grant's work in other bands which I admire (Grand Belial's Key, Crucifier, Infernal Hatred, etc). This is yet another of Cazz Grant’s bands which is talented, and unique from his other bands.

The production on this album is great, as is the mix. The intro to "Siren Song Confessions" (a song about the Salem witch trials) is great example of this. Two distorted guitars playing some interesting melodies flowing into the most powerful riff on the album. This one song really is the best I have heard by them yet. Cazz Grant's drums are right on as well; some really amazing percussion-work here.

"Visions from The Flaming Skies" features some interesting (and well-done) clean vocals. It starts as a doomy type song, but by 2:30 it is blast beats galore.

They also cover "Dethroned Emperor," a Celtic Frost song. Though done well, I think it could have been left off of the album. I don't see the necessity to tack it on at the end.

There are elements of doom mixed with raging black metal. They have combined these elements well. The lyrics deal with the failure of Christianity on a somewhat personal basis. The CD booklet layout is simplistic, yet sufficient for the mood of the music.

It has many highlights within its 6 songs, "Siren Song Confessions" being the best of the bunch. I recommend this to any fans of other USBM bands, Cazz Grant's other work, or those who enjoy the intense and sometimes amazing drum work of metal music.