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THE FACELESS
"Autotheism" (Sumerian; 2012)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
The Faceless are technical death metal. That's not my
first choice in music but I like to expand my horizons, no matter how dark they
may be. This is the third disc from this Encino, CA outfit and it's a machine
gun-fest from start to barely-crawling-across-the-floor finish. I'm a fan of
technical metal which can even be placed into the crudely drawn circle of
progressive metal and The Faceless will surely challenge your idea of technical
metal because they add in the death metal element of growling.
I'm a fan of music, period. If the music is top shelf then you can have goat
bleating over the whole thing, and I'll still hear the music and that's just
what I wrung out of "Autotheism." The most prevalent part of this disc is the
drums and guitar. The drums, when cued up, are like a runway chainsaw and the
guitar is fast and furious. It's a combination that will surely leave a mark;
mental, physical or both. Another interesting auditory note is the use of
various sounds beyond what you would think technical death metal would produce.
I could list them but I hate those people who spoil the movie while you're
waiting in line to see it, so, you'll have to listen for yourself.
The Faceless are also considered progressive metal and they do have that sound
pushing its way past the technical sound on a few tracks. There isn't any sort
of struggle going on and I think the balance is scripted but it's well played.
Because technical death metal isn't just for the casual listener or especially
the passerby I would suggest chewing on a few tracks at a time before the whole
thing chews you up. The guitar is excellent and the dedication to technique
should be bowed to. The drums are akin to sprinting a marathon and the bass used
on this recording was fretless, probably because Even Brewer would have played
the things off anyway and the vocals, clean and dirty, make the death element
the caption for "Autotheism." Michael's mom even helped with backing vocals!
The Faceless: Michael Keene – guitar, clean vocals, keys; Wes Hauch – guitar;
Evan Brewer – bass; Lyle Cooper – drums; Geoff Ficco – vocals. Guest appearance
- Tara Keene – backing vocals on "Emancipate."
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/thefaceless.
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.
Copyright © 2013 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
16 Sep 2024 12:13:34 -0400.
