Now there is a band I could listen to tirelessly and endlessly. After having had the pleasure and honour of reviewing the predecessor Informis Infinitas Inhumanitas, 2005 brings forth the follow-up, an opus titled Echoes of Decimation. Still in Relapse Records, ORIGIN come back to decimate whatever doubt there might be about the band’s potential, value and brutality.
The current line-up is comprised of Paul Ryan (guitar, vocals), James Lee (vocals, also in VILE), Clinton Appelhanz (guitar), Mike Florez (bass) and James King (drums, percussion).
I tend to be on the defensive when I come across self-conceived marketing strategies that claim an album to be «the ultimate brutality», «the most extreme album you will ever hear» or «It can’t get any more brutal than this». It is not like it cannot be true, but there are so many bands out there playing very brutal, sickening, horrifying and decimating music that it becomes virtually impossible to say which one comes out heaviest – what is more, many of these brutal bands feature extremely good musicians skilled in their instruments and song-writing. It also depends on the level of brutality one wants to achieve. Brutality at all costs without any regard for the music itself might prove to be «slightly» too inaudible. And that would have consequences in the (poor) record sales.
Other than that, one can safely write that Echoes of Decimation is decimating power elevated to the extreme. In reality, that is what it is. No point denying. But the crux of the matter is the fact that, while never losing any of the brutal, extreme and decimating edge, Echoes of Decimation is extremely well-played music with a very suitable production work. In nine tracks (each one divided into ten artificial chapters), ORIGIN present the listener with relentless speed and very brutal drumming. Yes, you read correctly: notwithstanding the parting of ways with drummer John Longstreth, which was surely a motive for despair and apprehension to some people, James King proved his worth and musicianship perfectly. The difference between a reasonably good and an excellent DM band lies in the drummer, and this opinion is virtually unanimous. So, on that department, ORIGIN have lost none of the previous brutality. John Longstreth and James King are two excellent drummers. Bow before their power.
Following the tradition of Informis Infinitas Inhumanitas, ORIGIN bring forth whirlwinds in violent soundscapes. The guitars are once again hypnotising, tormenting and mood-setting. Double bass, blast beats, growling guitars, destructive vocals and an exceedingly cruel sound make up the core of ORIGIN’s latest offering. The more I listen to the album, the more I feel like listening to it endlessly. It is not perfect, and in all honesty I miss the buzz of flies III starts with. In fact, I would say III had more catchy tunes, more captivating passages and stronger songs. From the follow-up point of view, that is in itself a minus point to EoD. Let us be fair, though, and look at Echoes of Decimation as the individual album it really is. Fury and power sum up its essence. Informis Infinitas Inhumanitas scored 9.5 at The Grave. Echoes of Decimation is half a point behind.
I was a bit disappointed in the total running time, though. I understand the fact that brutal bands find it more difficult to release longer albums, but 26 minutes is by far not enough to quench the thirst for more ORIGIN music – but, most importantly, from that viewpoint, the purchase of the album is not easily justified. Not in Portugal anyway, where the price of a CD is exaggeratedly high. Rest assured, though, for Relapse usually makes decent prices for its releases. It is also one of the best labels out there.
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Cover Origin – Echoes of Decimation Front
Origin – Endless Cure