DEMIGOD is a Death/Doom Metal band based out of Finland. Formed in 1990, the band has twice been inactive through the release of three full-length albums. They have been active again since 2010. This is a re-issue of the first full-length album, and contains twelve tracks. The short and eerie intro "Apocyphal" leads into "As I Behold I Disguise." It's pretty customary Death Metal for the timeframe when it was created. The instruments blend together in a furious energy and the vocals are low and guttural. "The Forlorn" moves along with a steadier sound that is a slower and more discernable as far as the main riff is concerned. The maddening blast beat drums sometimes cloud the landscape. "Tears of God" has a slower opening and some welcomed keyboard presence though it is terse. I think the decision to include keys can only enhance the music.
 
The title track, "Slumber of Sullen Eyes" is like an opening ceremony of a large gate into a church of blasphemy. Once inside, you are consumed by flesh eating undead. If I had to pick a song to showcase the album as a whole it would probably be this one. Not only is it evil and brutal, it also displays some diversity in songwriting. "Fear Obscures from Within" features some increased bass guitar which thickens out the song nicely. It also contrasts a low and simmering section with a quicker more bombastic one, giving the song a sort of dual identity. "Transmigration Beyond Eternities" has a grinding rhythm that begs you to band your head along with it. Indeed, the mid-tempo pace and intelligible riff make it a song that you can more easily comprehend, without losing any of its potency. "Perpetual Ascent" is an instrumental that has a tenuous fade-in that builds on your sense of mystery as to what might be coming next. What does come next is a methodical Death Metal sound that echoes beneath you in chambers of catacombs.
 
The bonus track, "Darkened" closes the album. There are varied passages to keep you on your toes and to add some complexity and diversity to the sound. Overall what impresses me most is how well developed the Death Metal sound is for 1992. At that time the genre was just budding and most of the music was too simplistic and unilateral. I can see why this was touted as one of the albums in the genre that you just had to own. Still, there were hints and peaks at some of the songs pushing the lines that define Death Metal, but there just weren't enough to make it overly memorable.
 
Songwriting                7


Production                 7