|
By JEFF MAKI
Infernaeon's A Symphony of Suffering combines devastating Floridian death metal with the symphonic element of European black metal. The result is a raw, malevolent sound that, after repetition, slithers up your tingling spine, making you feel as if you're witness to an unholy orchestra of the undead.
Upon first listen, I was taken aback a bit by the primitive nature and raw sound of this album after recent, more avante garde releases by Prosthetic Records. But after a second listen, I came to find that Infernaeon leaves a lasting impression. Behind the vicious assault of primitive metal, the keyboards manifest the same way as in classic black-and-white horror movies with a spooky organ sound. Combined with the primal death metal guitars and lack of production of the drums, this is about as vile and evil as it can get.
Infernaeon features former members of Monstrosity, a long running Florida death metal band. The album was produced by none other than Eric Rutan (Hate Eternal, ex-Morbid Angel). The band's stage show features theatrical murder and make-up effects provided by Universal Studios. The album tells a story of an oracle seeing the future through the eyes of the dying. Wars wage on and the dead return to life to seek vengeance. Once all the dead have returned to life, death can no longer exist--at least, that's what the press release states. I don't believe for a second that anyone would come to this conclusion after having their head bashed in for 30 minutes. Though if you take a look through the CD booklet, you'll find that lyrics like, “Depopulate/regulate/systematically exterminate” effectively tell the tale. The cover artwork is also a highlight.
Overall, Infernaeon creates an innovative, evil sound. The album's short running time could be a drawback, but it's hardly noticeable. Though rough around the edges and not at all accessible, fans of extreme and unholy black metal should have a newfound taste for death after hearing A Symphony of Suffering. |
