Through the Eyes of the Dead - Skepsis
Rating
RIYL
WhitechapelGraves of Valor
A Different Breed of Killer
Release Date
02/02/2010
Label
Prosthetic RecordsTracklist
1. Parasite Throne2. Dementia
3. No Haven
4. Perpetual Defilement
5. Inherit Obscurity
6. The Manifest
7. Defaced Reality
8. Siphonaptrea From Within
9. Insomnium
10. Skepsis
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My first review of 2009 happened to be of Graves of Valor's Salarian Gate. I found it ironic that my first of 2010 was Through the Eyes of the Dead's Skepsis, which, as you may or may not know, was the band that three members of Graves of Valor left to form their own project. Line-up changes have always been an issue for the band, having changed all positions at least twice, except for that of lead guitarist. As long as I've known of the band, they've always been defined by one aspect, whether that be “sick vocals” or “fast double bass”. They surely keep those trends going on Skepsis, but it seems that they've released a disc more complete this time around.
The album opens up with “Dementia,” a blazingly fast track that establishes the band's riffing style and wider musical tendencies. The song is pretty straight-forward, featuring everything you would expect from the band, including an absolutely menacing breakdown. If you don't like the track from the get-go, the rest of the album probably isn't for you. “No Haven” is more of the same, showcasing a perfectly fitting harmonic minor guitar solo with insane whammy bends. Zakk Wylde, watch your back. “Perpetual Defilement,” the third proper song, gives new vocalist Danny Rodriguez a chance to show his skills. He hangs with the best of the deathcore crowd, exhibiting Phil Bozeman-esque lows and his own brand of highs which remain powerful and dodge the shrill black metal vocals some bands have been going for as of late. At this point, the album is off to a powerful, albeit safe, start. There isn't much variation in the songs, and if one isn't listening for specific parts, the songs easily run together. The band thankfully works to at least try to add new elements as the songs go on, but to a new listener, they might be immediately disregarded as boring.
Surprisingly, “Inherit Obscurity” is one of the first tracks to echo a typical deathcore song, switching between chug-based riffs and speedy drumming. “The Manifest” is similar, but a sense of melody is imparted with ringing chords and a metalcore verse riff. The song features one of the album's most crushing breakdowns, saving it from complete monotony. Bass player Jake Ososkie's burpy five string makes a tiny appearance, which is one of few times where you'll be able to tell that the band actually has a bassist. The added low-end makes the band's sound even heavier, going for a more natural approach as opposed to the current trend of bass drops at every given chance. “Defaced Reality” takes the same approach with a less metalcore sound, but equally as heavy and melodic. “Siphonaptrea From Within” continues the trend and even features a full-fledged bass break, in addition to more of the same ridiculous drumming, courtesy of Michael Ranne. Following an impressive three minute instrumental before the last song, the band launches into the album's title track. From the beginning, you can feel a sense of anticipation for something big. The band whets the appetite of the listener with some groove-heavy riffing and production magic, playing on the heaviness of the outfit before going into the album's final breakdown. I know, breakdowns are overplayed in this day and age, but this one is so simple and heavy that it strikes me as hard to have not heard something like it before. Something so simple, yet complete, is hard to find in a time when people are trying to write songs in 7/4 and incorporate as many different rhythms as possible. Through the Eyes of the Dead seem to know what they want and when they want it, which makes their songwriting just as interesting as other more progressive bands. The breakdown returns again for the end of the song, and with that, Skepsis comes to a close.
The band's third full-length album shows further strengthening of their songwriting; they obviously have a clear direction and sound in their heads, and it's nice to see them going for exactly what they want. In the end, however, the music may not be for you. While it doesn't break new ground, Skepsis is a solid release that is sure to please fans of the band and the deathcore genre as a whole.
--Cody Rogers
Comments
Illinois
i like it better than their last album for sure... not sure if i'm gonna keep listening to it much or not though.
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Minnesota
Each and every release by these guys I listen to wanting to like them, but I never can. I usually figure that with lineup changes they'll eventually put out something I can get into, but they never do. I haven't listened to this yet, but I really don't have that big of a drive to either...
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Minnesota
So I did get around to listening to this. Not bad, but kinda forgettable. I like it about as much as Malice, maybe a slight bit more.
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Wisconsin
some of this is really good. somes really forgettable.