"Manifest"
[Genet Records]
Belgian Metallers Psalm specialise in a blend of Black & Death Metal and have been deemed good enough to be signed by genet records, for their new release "Manifest". Opening with intro track "Through The Maze" gives you an instant view into psalm's more haunting nature and a glimpse into the dark and bleakness that they can conjour with just their instruments and a little imagination. "Ecce Homo" ends all the softness though and plows into a great mix of Black Metal vocals and Death/Black riff-age that changes in an instant just to keep you guessing. What's good about Psalm is that it isn't all about brutality and the band does have a large atmospheric presence about them. Yet when they're heavy they are very heavy and the cataclysmic drumming is awe inspiring. "Layers Of Impiety" adds a bit more Black Metal magic and more of a zaney twist to it's sound. It's fast paced and hostile right from the off and the raw vocals give it a really venomous quality, as do the simplistic but catchy riffs.
Moving into the second half of the EP the band kicks into a much more military style of riff-age with "Exhortation". This track is probably the best on the EP for me, and whilst catchy does remain heavy and sinister throughout. "Paradox" is alot more intricate, almost folky in places and adds a nice contrast to the EP and shows the bands variety. it keep sit fresh and interesting and although still heavy is the most part really does wonders. To finish things off though is "Renewal", a fast paced and grindingly brutal track that spares nobody and is unrelenting, but again with Psalms haunting atmospheric qualities. "Manifest" is a good album, easy to listen too and although it doesn't spark great excitement in me I can still truly appreciate it. I think many others will too.
3 Out Of 5
www.psalm-music.com
www.myspace.com/psalm
