Rough Edge: Loss CD Reviews

LOSS

"Life Without Hope ... Death Without Reason" (Deathgasm; 2006)

Loss’ doom/death style is packaged quite well on “Life Without Hope … Death Without Reason.” Sounding very funeral doom at times, Loss stick to a more earthly approach forsaking atmospheric elements and eschewing the use of keyboards for a sound that is reliant on guitars and riffs that are rooted more in the traditional doom approach.

Loss, featuring former Warhammer guitarist Mike Meacham, give the monolithic sound of funeral doom a sheen most often associated with the Scandinavian and European counterparts. “Life Without Hope … Death Without Reason” proves that melancholy sounds can be engaging on many levels. The vocals explore the lowest depths of sonic range and provide a staggering contrast to the haunting guitars.

“Life Without Hope … Death Without Reason” is a re-issue of the band’s 2004 3-song demo included with two live tracks (an intriguing cover of Katatonia’s “Brave” and the old school black metal influenced “The Barebacked Burial of a Torn Angel”).

Loss have expertly utilized the audio and visual aspects of doom with respect for the past and every so gently nudging the genre into new realms.

“Life Without Hope … Death Without Reason” should be sought out by fans of the doom genre.

“Life Without Hope .. Death Without Reason” was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by R. Honeycutt. The studio tracks are clear and powerful; the live tracks suffer from poor acoustics, but are sufficient for a decent listening experience and are still able to capture the band’s powerful approach.

Loss is M. Meacham on vocals and guitar, Timothei L. on guitar, J. Anderson on bass, and J. LeMaire on drums. “Brave” features guest black metal vocalist Lord Imperial (Kreig).

For more information, check out http://www.deathgasm.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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