Sword Toward Self – Dissolution Mantras
Unsigned – 01 November 2008
by John Norby
The first thing you assume about Australia’s
Sword Toward Self upon first glance at the packaging of their debut EP
Dissolution Mantras is – doom band! From the flowing, mystic logo to the minimal, dark cover it just screams DOOM! However, from the opening bars of first track
‘Sword Toward Self’ it’s abundantly clear that this is no doom band, rather a semi-tech death metal band who sport a style referencing various death subgenres, from the ultra brutal to the melodic. It’s a virtual extreme metal smorgasbord with a bit of everything thrown in.
Dissolution Mantras is a tough release for
Sword Toward Self in that it offers only three tracks clocking in at a total of just under 17 minutes. That’s a mere 17 minutes to showcase whatever talents this Aussie trio may have to offer. Thankfully, they ply their trade with the accuracy and fervour displayed by many renowned bands already well established in the scene. Every area of
Sword Toward Self’s output on this EP has been created with the deepest attention and delivered with the utmost care, to the point where this sounds like a band of seasoned professionals. The members of
Sword Toward Self are far from newcomers to music, however, with each member active in a variety of other bands, including prog-folk metal crew
Irondwood (which includes all members of
STS) and the extremely extreme
Intorment Black, who have been on the go since 1997/
There’s a certain oldschool vibe present on
Dissolution Mantras, hinting at
Brutality in places. It’s not that they sound like the Floridian quintet in any way, rather they conjur up memories of the classic
When The Sky Turns Black in certain riffs and arrangements. The opening of
‘Sword Toward Self’ is a prime example of this trait, and one that serves to give this EP a vague familiar feel. Certain passages on this release also hint at mega-tech madmen
Theory In Practise, although nothing on here is as complex or eclectic as the material output by the Swedes.
All in all,
Dissolution Mantras is a damn fine release from a band that absolutely deserve to be signed. With a thick production, faultless musicianship and some incredible songwriting to boot, this is definitely one to get.
Official Sword Toward Self Website
Official Sword Toward Self Myspace
