Eternal Gray - Kindless
Death metal isn’t dead; it’s just lying low. Sure, it might have partied too hard in the ’90s and choked on the vomit of complacence and conformity. But just when I think that the artform is done, a group like Eternal Gray comes along and restores my faith. Hailing from Haifa, Israel, this band combines the driving riffage of Morbid Angel with the turn-the-screw dissonance of Immolation, and, occasionally, more traditional melodies. Grooves stay mostly midpaced and chunky, though eerie jangles draped over blastbeats keep the soundscape varied.
Flesh CyclesThe Unbelievers Die
No boundary-pushing here, but the degree of refining is incredible for a debut (Raven, 2002). The songwriting is memorable and dynamic, with songs prone to strong upshifts partway through. Befuddling artwork and a clear, punchy Abyss Studios recording complete the package. Eternal Gray is working on a new album at the moment. In the meantime, Kindless is available for cheap from The End.
