TRISTWOOD
"The
Delphic Doctrine" (Sound Riot; 2006)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Tristwood have evolved from their early black metal beginnings (when known as December) to an electro-metal sound that utilizes its black metal origins and updates the genre’s sound with intensity and precision.
The sound on “The Delphic Doctrine” is heavily processed with electronic, programmed drums leading the way. Accordingly, I thought I was going to be left with the impression that Tristwood was going to sound more like …And Oceans than anything else, but the band’s overall sound combines the best of …And Oceans, current Samael, and relentless blastbeats not unlike brutal death. At times Tristwood sound more like a death metal band with electronic influences than a black metal band fully and relentlessly enthralled.
Blending precision and brutality is no easy feat and Tristwood seem to pull it off on “The Delphic Doctrine” with ease. This isn’t to say that it all comes naturally to Tristwood. I’m sure a lot of planning, hard work, and painstaking recording went into making “The Delphic Doctrine” sound exactly the way its members intended it to.
On “The Delphic Doctrine” the electro elements force the band to apply a more clinical, technical approach to their music. And technical approaches have always appealed to me. Although I’ve never found electronica or other electro-forms of music to be a favorite of mine, I have always found electronica-styled elements in metal to be somewhat infectious.
The production on “The Delphic Doctrine” is clear and loud – which is necessary given the aural territory that Tristwood have chosen to tread.
“The Delphic Doctrine” is an impressive
release.
Tristwood: Axumix on vocals, Jegger on guitars and synths, Deimon on bass,
sampling, and drums, and Neru on programming, synths, and guitars.
For more information http://www.tristwood.com.
"The
Delphic Doctrine" (Sound Riot; 2006)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Our East Coast Editor, Christopher J. Kelter, was the one who introduced a lot of really heavy music to both R. Scott Bolton and me. And, as you can see from his review above, he really liked Tristwood's "The Delphic Doctrine." So did I.
"The Delphic Doctrine" is as hard and heavy as anything I have ever listened to. The music is hard, fast and in your face, with just a touch of electronica to get the heart pumping, and it rocked hard from start to finish. This CD was both easily likable and instantly identifiable. The range of emotion and the presentation of just the music alone was enough to make me really like this album.
As for the vocals ... well, they were another thing. Axumix's growls are enough to scare a bear but I actually started to like it after a few spins and, once I started to really identify with the music, the entire project came together for me, both in the music and in the vocals.
"The Delphic Doctrine" made such an impression on me, I do believe my musical horizon has been broadened again. Thanks Christopher!
Tristwood: Axumix on vocals, Jegger on guitars
and synths, Deimon on bass, sampling, and drums, and Neru on programming, synths,
and guitars.
For more information http://www.tristwood.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.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
12 Aug 2024 14:33:57 -0400.
