Rough Edge: Through the Eyes of the Dead CD Reviews

THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD

"Skepsis" (Prosthetic; 2010)

Reviewed by Spudbeast

Despite 2007's "Malice" being one of the best death metal albums in recent memory, Through the Eyes of the Dead often get stuck with the moniker "deathcore," an instant turn-off to most metal heads. 2010's follow-up, "Skepsis" is no different. While lacking in some parts where "Malice" excelled (mainly production and the lineup), "Skepsis" manages to a be a solid and enjoyable death metal album.

After a brief electronic intro, "Parasite Throne," TTEOTD is unleashed and never looks back, beginning with the battering "Dementia" which really displays the always impressive drum work, and showcases new vocalist Danny Rodriguez, who steps in for "Malice's" Nate Johnson. While delivering a good performance, Rodriguez simply lacks the power that Johnson's voice commanded and which was one of the highlights of the previous album. "No Haven" follows next, a fluctuating piece with extremely high tempo and low tempo parts. "Perpetual Defilement" follows with an Arisis-like riff, and is so far the highlight of the album.

However, about here, you notice the production seems a little muddy, lacking any sharpness. Being a self-produced album, this is to be expected, but it is a big step down from Erik Rutan's stellar job on "Malice" which was impeccable. Still, the production is far better than that of the first release, "Bloodlust."

"Inherit Obscurity" arrives next, and is fueled by a bizarre riff, but one that works really well, and becomes another song that will receive frequent play. "The Manifest" has a little At The Gates feel to it, but it sounds kind of like filler, but that may just because "Defaced Reality" follows, one of the best songs on the album -- and the longest -- lots of cool, clean guitar work, a real highlight. Closing up the album, we have the instrumental "Insomnium" which feels like an abbreviated "Call of the Kthulu" just for its atmosphere, and capping the whole thing off is the title track, the only track heavily -core driven, with guitar work that highlights the song.

Overall, "Skepsis" is an excellent effort marred by superficial things. The style remains the same, but the production needs work. And, no insult to Rodriguez, but Nate Johnson's vox are missed.

For more information visit http://www.throughtheeyesofthedead.com/.

"Malice" (Prosthetic; 2007)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

"Violent and vicious" best describes the South Carolina troupe Through the Eyes of the Dead, as this beast cranks out some a brutal battering in the form of the 11-track "Malice."

Steamrolling over the listener with a relentless rattling of machine-gun riffs, blistering drums, and a menacing vocal onslaught whose coarse yet intelligible growls summon a form of evil few bands can conjure, this quintet's condensed amalgamation of death metal and metalcore contains the propensity to destroy all in its path.

Tracks like the Cannibal Corpse-meets-Hatebreed warmongering of "Pull the Trigger" and the thrashing death groove of "To Wage a War" are just some testimonials of the pulverizing might this Erik Rutan-produced disc demonstrates, as this entire disc is crammed with an abundance of dastardly delights to satisfy the most ardent of extreme metal fans.

For more information visit http://www.throughtheeyesofthedead.com/.

"Bloodlust" (Prosthetic; 2005)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

Through The Eyes Of The Dead are relative newcomers to the scene yet getting picked up by a label like Prosthetic speaks volumes about their current quality and future potential. Prosthetic, once the home to current metal titans Lamb Of God, had done well in recent years by avoiding signing a band that was a clone of Lamb Of God.

"Bloodlust" is without a doubt squarely rooted in the new wave of American heavy metal that features brutal music with the occasional melodic elements. In fact, my initial spin of Through The Eyes Of The Dead's "Bloodlust" resulted in the same kind of observations I made when reviewing Lamb Of God's debut CD "New American Gospel." Both CDs share the same kind of musical death/thrash hybrid heavily weighted toward the technical end of the musical spectrum. That same kind of observation can be made of a lot of new American metal acts – but seems particularly true in the case of "Bloodlust."

In all fairness, it's basically the vocals and drums found in "Bloodlust" that instantly draws the most obvious comparisons to Lamb Of God. But easy comparisons to only two features of a five-piece band to a genre's penultimate example does not make Through The Eyes Of The Dead a clone. In fact, many tracks feature some heavily melodic parts that you'd never find on a Lamb Of God disc ("When Everything Becomes Nothing" and "With Eyes Ever Turned Inward"). Additionally, the guitarists tend to consistently play in a lower register and a more straight-forward style – not quite the metalcore mold but a variation thereof.

"Bloodlust" is a strong record by such a young band – you just need to keep in mind that they rely on the template created by Lamb Of God. If that suits you then you'll appreciate "Bloodlust" more than most; if that turns you off then it won't bring you any satisfaction. That said, I think Through The Eyes Of The Dead will continue to evolve and will become a band to be reckoned with.

"Bloodlust" was produced by Jamie King.

Through The Eyes Of The Dead: Anthony Gunnells on vocals, Justin Longshore and Chris Anderson on guitars, Jeff Springs on bass, and Dayton Cantley on drums.

For more information visit http://www.throughtheeyesofthedead.com/.

"Bloodlust" (Prosthetic; 2005))

Reviewed by Snidermann

"Bloodlust" is an action packed thrill ride that does not let up for one minute. The listener is propelled through a 38-minute, tooth and nail, metal meat grinder.

The eleven tracks on this CD are just the thing if you like heavy metal done the way it's meant to be. Music is a very personal thing, but if you are reading this review and you like in your metal brutal and in-your-face/on-your-ass just the way I do, Through The Eyes of the Dead's "Bloodlust" will be right up your alley.

Through The Eyes Of The Dead: Anthony Gunnells on vocals, Justin Longshore and Chris Anderson on guitars, Jeff Springs on bass, and Dayton Cantley on drums.

For more information visit http://www.throughtheeyesofthedead.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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