Das Blut der Toten

"Das Blut Der Toten" is one of those CDs Metal Mind Productions reissued in limited quantities. Semi-classic/cult classic records usually get the Metal Mind reissue treatment, but I've never heard anyone say, "Abrogation is the best, bro," as they then segue to yak about Amon Amarth, Sabaton, Wintersun, and other bands that suck. Part of the thrill of diving headlong into a band's discography for which little recognition exists is the 'tabala rasa' effect: Abrogation has a clean slate with which to work. This stuff is clearly melodic death metal. You can line up the sound's novice qualities and check them off easy peasy lemon squeezey. Advanced traits are low on supply, however, and the album is limited in its contributions.

As someone with an ax to grind with Abrogation's chosen subgenre, it takes a lot to not make my blood boil. It takes even more to make a positive impression. This falls somewhere in the middle: parts of this are decent, others are not. The songs are structured to contain a few simple melodic death riffs moving at a similar pacing, usually mid-to-up tempo with few rapid sections altogether; there are few moments changing up the scheme since the riffs move around in similar notations and patterns. The vocals—low growls—aren't worth going bananas, unless you think German lyrics are a game changer, in which you've found your new "Master of Puppets." This is melodic death metal played at an average pace, almost with the training wheels on. Passable as it sounds, "Das Blut Der Toten" fades quickly.

'Muted' is the word that comes to mind. Part of this is due to the choppy sound quality. The snare reverberates with a tinny din after its initial punch, and the guitars sound awkwardly sharpened, especially during certain sequences. Given its sound and general direction, Abrogation is comfortable in their safe-but-sweet space. "Tyrannei der Engel" is a little more blast-laden and sharper riff-wise than most; no surprise it's the best track here. The title track takes on the general direction and comes out as memorable, inexplicably better than its surroundings. One of the last songs is this strange folky melodic death metal jam featuring what I think is a woodwind instrument. Madcap as it is, at least the monotony cracks up a bit.

"Das Blut Der Toten" is solid melodic death metal, I suppose. I think the term 'ear candy,' dumb as it is, applies here. The album meets the bare minimum to walk away without a paddling, although it comes close. The key is suspending the tax of its presentation and expectations of this earning a spot among melodic death metal's finest. Dull as the riffs may be, they have a little pinch to them. The sound quality is wonky, but it works. "Das Blut Der Toten" is like that co-worker who works hard but is forth in line to get the promotion. No one can fault the guy for trying, and he's not a bad dude by any means, but there are finer employees from which to choose. Semi-acceptable melodic death ear candy.

This review was written for: www.Thrashpit.com