CEASE TO EXIST


"Cease to Exist" (Demo)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Hailing from Rough Edge home office territory (that's Ventura County, California), Cease to Exist are a powerhouse of a metal band whose six-track CD is to the listener as Itchy is to Scratchy. In other words, it'll beat the hell out you and you'll love every minute of it.

With one of the heaviest rhythms I've heard in a long time, Cease to Exist jack-hammer out six tracks here that are pounding, furious blocks of rage and hopelessness. It's a little like Pantera meets Black Sabbath and you can just imagine how heavy that would be.

Guitarist / Vocalist Mike Klein is one of those rare extreme singers whose voice doesn't get lost in the music or overwhelm it. Klein is no cookie monster vocalist either; in other words, his vocals are closer to Pantera-era Phil Anslemo than Superjoint Ritual Phil Anselmo. 

Drummer Chris Lytle (who served for a short time in the legendary Slam Alice) and bassist Anthony Kafka are just as important to the mix, delivering the band's backbeat with bonecrushing intensity.

This demo is very well recorded and produced and one gets the impression that the band is even better live. I'm looking forward to hearing more from Cease to Exist. 

Cease to Exist: Mike Klein - guitar, vocals; Chris Lytle - drums; Anthony Kafka - bass.

For more information, check out http://www.ceasetoexist.com


Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.


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Copyright © 2003 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 26 Feb 2024 19:59:25 -0500.