Nemesism
Nemesism
It's common to people to never see the 'lines' of a future being written in front of their eyes, or in other words, to not understand how a Metal subgenre is born. For an example: MASSACRE, POSSESSED, MASTER, DEATH and others were working on the original 'core' of Death Metal on their early days in the 80's, but no one could foresee (from that point of history) the range of subgenres that would appear in the 90's. And Brutal Death Metal was born in the 90's, having as its roots the works of MORBID ANGEL on "Covenant", SUFFOCATION on "Effigy of the Forgotten", and others (CANNIBAL CORPSE helped a lot as well in terms of the vocals of the genre due Chris Barnes low tunes on the grunts). And all the load of the genre can be heard on the work of the North American quartet NEMESISM, as can be heard on their EP "Nemesism".
These songs depicts a personal approach into Brutal Death Metal: it's not only brutal and aggressive, technical and will all the elements that the fans are used to hear on releases of the genre, but one can check that they're trying to pave a particular way to their work. The technical level is very good, the rhythmic contrasts can be heard and enjoyed clearly, the vocals uses the contrasts between the low grunts of the genre (but in a way that can be understood by the fans) with sharp screams. But there are parts with some groove elements are heard (pay attention on "Absolved in the Abyss" to check this aspect). After all these words, what's left to say: they're pretty good, but as they're a young band, they really can become a pillar for the genre as they mature a bit more. This EP was recorded, mixed and mastered by the hands of Ryan Wechta (known for his works with GUTTURAL SECRETE, CEREBRAL INCUBATION, INVIRULANT and others), and the deafening of the ears is guaranteed: it's brutal, massive and shows the low instrumental tunes of the genre, but always in a defined way that allows the deep understanding of what's being expressed on the songs. It's a very good work, indeed, packaged by the excellent artwork of Blue Jansen.
After an intro, "Mindful Abomination" storms the ears with violence and brutality, based on very good rhythmic shifts created by bass guitar and drums. A bit more straight-to-the-point is "Absolved in the Abyss", oppressing the senses with very good slow parts and excellent technical guitar riffs and arrangements. Privileging slow tempos, "Constricting the Ambient Noise" is technical and brutal (were the technical work of bass guitar and drums is clear to the ears), and the vocals fit perfectly on the instrumental sheath. An onslaught of speed is what "Terminal Spreading Depolarization", built upon fast tempos and technical rhythms. And "Delusions of Morality" brings more traditional Death Metal elements (even the Hardcore/Crossover elements that are in the roots of the genre can be perceived), but it's plenty of Brutal Death Metal hooks.
After this massacre called "Nemesism", all that's left to say is that NEMESISM deserves to release a full album as soon as possible.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Nemesism" Track-listing:
1. Mindful Abomination
2. Absolved in the Abyss
3. Constricting the Ambient Noise
4. Terminal Spreading Depolarization
5. Delusions of Morality
Nemesism Lineup:
Andrew LoMastro - Vocals
Randall Thompson - Guitars
Bruno Macias - Bass
Mike Fitzgerald - Drums
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