Being perplexed or with mixed feelings is something that I don't really like, even can't stand in several cases. Nevertheless, it contributes to a small argument within my head until the melting point. That phenomenon happened after I took my time to listen to the new album "Innerself" of the band DEMEANOUR released via Defox / Heart Of Steel Records. Generally it wasn't one of my better musical experiences but nor it wasn't the crappiest one ever. Attempting to deliver an old school Death Metal release, DEMEANOUR seemed to be the damn closest thing to amateurism, and this not only judging by the poor production of the release that sounded like a home recording gone dreadful, but also in the way of how this foursome crew has been perceiving Death Metal music. "Innerself" made me wonder of how easy it is to create Metal music, both the music and the recording and production processes, but who said that it is the right way? And I don't believe that true quality can come that easy.

First of all DEMEANOUR proved that they have a lot to work on when it comes to their so called old school approach. Their material sounded rough with good intentions but utterly banal, without any sort of knack towards melodic features, needless to say any sort of high end picking. Possibly the only leading element on this entire album is the vocalist, even though his vocal channels were poorly inserted into the mix. Through the riffing it can be inferred that most of it was written for the thrill of it, enabling heaviness over a bit more constructiveness that could have opened additional options while also increasing the rate of interest. There is a pattern that is similar to the first Death Metal acts such as DEATH, POSSESSED and possibly MORBID ANGEL, but with only less than moderate rhythm guitars and a following bass at the front, this endeavor won't get very far. DEMEANOUR have to better than tracks in the vein of "As I Die For Nothing", "Unfaithful Violence" and "Scourged Of God", which other than well chosen names are musically terrible. Even "Another Dying Day", which is their most impressive result, can be misinterpreted as their final stop sign. As far as the production is concerned, I really don't know who produced this album but one thing is for sure, use someone else in the future because it is much closer to mediocrity.

I think that every band that writes original material is ought to release it for all the world to witness, yet the final output should be reviewed closely before finalizing it and I am talking about the pre production stage. That material of "Innerself" is supposed to be something serious and not a sort of mockery. DEMEANOUR seemed to me like serious dudes and I am sure that they plan a prosperous career but they to start acting like it and the sooner the better.