Lurid Memory: Dematerialized

Serving up a short five track blast, San Diego's Lurid Memory have a knack of making their take on death metal an intriguing journey. As you'd expect, touching points such as Death or Morbid Angel appear across this release, alongside Gorguts inflexions. However this second EP from the band also provides a more technical, progressive blackness weaved neatly into the tapestry, where flashes of early Opeth also jog the memories of what that groundbreaking band once were. Oscar Padilla however sits in more traditional death vocal territory, although thankfully he doesn't just tick the boxes, an ability to infuse the gutturals with a real sense of atmosphere and story, setting him out as a potent force. His guitar work isn't far behind and combined to the variety of six-strings Glenn Davis provides (classical, steel string, alongside standard rhythm and lead solos), it's also fair to suggest this lot aren't afraid to add a few less expected meanders within the maelstrom.

"Fantasy Of The Terminal Moment" is possibly the strongest indication that Lurid Memory want to move things outside the box somewhat, wind blowing in the background, synths and acoustic guitar to the fore. However, other than the desire to bring something different to the mix, comparisons to Opeth and Enslaved don't really portray what's going on here. Both those bands pushed, before utterly mangling genre boundaries, however Lurid Memory are still much more happy to bite and snarl with death aggression. This is progressive death metal, rather than prog with a hint of anger.

Impressively, "Pangea" continues the acoustic themes, but never feels superfluous, while "I Too..." cranks things right back up, drummer Aaron Ashby and bassist Chris Boodhoo locked in tight, yet capable of surging and pushing the vibe in all manner of directions. Something the frantic title track confirms in fine style.

It would be a stretch to suggest Lurid Memory are offering something genuinely game changing, or even all that different with Dematerialzed. However the ease with which they change gears and alter approach suggests that what this band might come up with in the future may well be.

Track Listing
1. Whispers in the Dark
2. Fantasy of the Terminal Moment
3. Pangea
4. I Too...
5. Dematerialized

Added: March 13th 2016
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Lurid Memory on Facebook
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Language: english

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