To prog-rock and progressive metal fans, death metal is all the same and it's all equally bad. But there are in fact huge differences within that genre. Opeth for example plays progressive death metal, with rich, masterful guitarwork, clean singing and wonderful intelligence and sensitivity. Therion and Cradle Of Filth play symphonic death metal, with grand Soundscapes and female vocals and the sounds of choirs and orchestras. And Emperor and Ragnarok play extreme death metal – which is characterized by rather distinctive chord progressions, double bass, thick distorted riffs and occasionally, some remarkably elegant keyboard work.
This 4-man Polish act is clearly a part of the latter sub-genre. The Human Error is characterized by lightning fast rhythm and relentless double bass. It employs every element of extreme metal and adds speed and technical guitar work to create a well-above-average if somewhat unimaginative album that will appeal to aficionados of that genre.
There are some very pleasing high register piano lines and there are good lead guitar solos, but you'll have to strain to hear them because they've been held inexplicably far back in the mix and are drowned by that exhausting rhythm section.
If you're familiar with the Nordic school of black music like Dimmu Borgir, Emperor Carpathian Forest and Zyklon, you'll have an idea of what to expect – and this record is far better than some of the dredge we've reviewed recently. But if you find the Opeths or Into Eternities of the world a little intimidating, stay far from this one – it will drag you kicking and screaming down the waterfalls of darkness and into the matrix of piety.
Track Listing:
1. Satanic Syndrome 666 - (3.51)
2. Waterfalls of Darkness - (3.43)
3. Lunatic Gate - (5.38)
4. Hallowed Whores - (4.13)
5. Crionics - (3.47)
6. Episode of the Falling Star - (5.04)
7. Matrix of Piety - (4.08)
8. Precipice Gaped - (4.21)
9. Sacrosanct Strength - (3.44)
10. Indoctrination Procedure - (6.13)
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