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Amortis > Gift of Tongues > 2016, Digital, Dissonance Productions > Reviews
Amortis - Gift of Tongues

Amortis has a gift for you! - 89%

LifeInAFireBox, February 2nd, 2005

Amortis. Giving them a first, half-hearted listen, I passed them off as being a standard melodic black/death metal act. When I informed my brother of my sentiment toward the band, he insisted I was an idiot. Knowing that he is typically stolid in talking of a band's credibility, and hard to impress, I figured if he had something to say about it - it must be good. So, I gave it my second listen; and truly, I was wrong. Standard couldn't be further from what I'd use to describe these guys. Not only in their sound, but in their musicianship.

It's quite a task describing bands that don't sound like anyone ... in this case, though it's a bit of a stretch - I'd say this is what Dimmu Borgir wish they sounded like. I can imagine that would still make these guys look bad in the eyes of many, but just imagine every part of Dimmu's music done right. Gritty production, guitar riffs heavier than fuckin' lead, tons of atmosphere, killer harsh, angry vocals.

Anyone who's read my reviews, will notice I always comment on the drummer, and usually, I'm very harsh - and for a reason, but, this drummer is damn good. I mean, DAMN good. He can blast faster than a jack-hammer while maintaining the punch, and remaining completely solid (and I'm almost positive, he doesn't use triggers). He uses his set to it's fullest. He's dead on, and doesn't let you think for a single second "There needs to be a fill here." Very impressive.

Though, it's not the darkest music ever, this is enough to make the Borgir boys crawl up in a ball and suck their thumbs. However, there's a couple moments where the keyboard is too noticeable as being ... um ... a keyboard. There are other times, such as on the title track, where you will think you're truly listening to a full reed organ.

I won't take back my comparison to Dimmu Borgir, but there are three key differences. The riffs here are actually black metal, there's some noticeable death metal riffage and overall tone at times, and there's less symphonics. So basically, while not being too straightforward, they take out some of the bullshiting and add in a whole lot of kickass.

The atmosphere in the music is important and ubiquitous. When the tone is leaning toward melody, the dark, haunting nature of the music never leaves. The tone here is the variety that paints a picture less of "evilness" per se, reminding me more a genuine anger, or authentic human emotion. Simply put, it's more the "frozen forest" black metal, than the "Satan is my master" black metal.

Points given for: Originality, awesome drumming, succeeding where Dimmu failed so horribly, tight musicianship, and great song arrangment and flow.

Neutral/No points for or against: The production, it's good for the style, but seems almost a bit too much at times, but balances out.

Points taken for: The keyboard can sound really low-fi sometimes, and though I have a high tolerance to the art of cheese, it bothered me, at times.

In conclusion, definetly worth a listen. A must for fans of melodic death or black metal.