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Impedigon – As Desires Fade…
Impedigon – As Desires Fade…
The L.S.P Company LSP006 March 25th 2002
By Russell Garwood
Impedigon have released two demos and a promo tape before this, their debut album. The band’s constantly changing line up now stands as vocalist Sven Houfflijn, guitarists Jason Masschelein and Frederik Vanmassenhove, Kevin Strubbe on drums and Wouter Nottebaert on bass. Only two members in this line up were band members at the time “As Desires Fade…” was recorded, however.
The band play melodic/Gothenburg death metal despite their Belgian origin, very reminiscent at times of Dark Tranquility’s latest work. The music is simpler than many NWOSDM bands’ output (eg. Opeth) with fewer time changes, odd signatures and texturally different passages. There are abundant dual guitar lines, all highly melodic, and many verging on catchy, under which the proficient bass work is less prominent. The drums are generally on the simplistic side, driving the music but foregoing the embellishment often found in similar music. The vocals are average, non-guttural death metal rasps, powerful but with relatively little variation.
Of the eleven tracks present on “As Desires Fade…” choosing a standout is hard - the tracks are relatively similar. My favourites however have to be “Pilgrims Of The Age Of Fire” for the catchy almost power metal guitar lines, the faster “Scarved “Munitia Part I”, and the atmospheric, slower effort that is “Neverfading Memories ‘Spiritual Exploitation’”.
The production on this album is good, the instruments sound rich and well balanced, which the music really requires. The artwork, courtesy of Dark Tranquility’s Niklas Sundan (who has also provided covers for Gardenianm, Andromeda and his own band), is also impressive. In conclusion, this is a straightforward melodic death metal release – it follows all the rules and if you’re looking for something groundbreaking or original, isn’t for you. If , however, you are after competently written and performed Gothenburg death, this will be a welcome addition to your collection.
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