Disappearer - The Clearing

Boston’s Disappearer certainly sound familiar with Neurosis’ Through Silver in Blood. It’s not surprising that they began as an instrumental trio in the vein of Pelican. The tempos trudge and the drums sound like they were recorded in Carlsbad Caverns (with bats in black orbits for evil ambience). What makes their debut a welcome addition to the metal canon is harmony. Bassist/vocalist Jebb Riley (also of Doomriders) coats the songs in gruffly sung melodies that recall Ian MacKaye. Cryptic phrases appear through the roar, such as “That’s why I don’t go out at night” and “So we can finally rest.”

Glassland
Villainous Moon

Like most bands of this ilk, Disappearer could shed some minutes from longer songs. Repetition works only if tunes are up to snuff. But The Clearing (Magic Bullet, 2009) offers enough mindfuck kickassery to offset its foibles. By blending weight with melody, Disappearer blaze a path that they will hopefully follow after this promising debut.

– Casey Boland

Buy:
Amazon (CD)
Amazon (MP3)
eMusic (MP3)
Magic Bullet (CD, 2xLP)