Memories from the Abyss

The Italians are known for many things, the cosa nostra or mafia, or Antonio Meucci who made in principle the first telephone a year before Graham Bell. Among metal enthusiasts however, the Italians are probably far more known for their growing metal scene, and to that extent, the death metal they produce. Humator have yet to rise up with the more known acts from their own country. The do however, do one thing a little different. Memories of the Abyss is not a dense and fast assault of drums, but has a more laid back, traditional approach to death metal.

The music goes in the vein of older death metal bands, rather than the newer ones. For starters, the drums are not as much about blasting away at full speed, as much as they are about keeping the beat with as much rhythm as possible. Blast beats are a rare occurrence. The guitars as well, go for a more simple approach, playing often slow chugging riffs, but to compensate, add some neat leads into the mix. The bass guitar mostly play along with the guitars, and do very little on their own, sadly, but manage to at least be audible. As for the vocals, they can a little boring as they go along the same mid-pitched path practically all the time. But can be enjoyable during the songs that pick up the pace a little.

The mixing and production is pretty good, but the bass guitar and the guitars get a little tangled together at times, but leaves everything relatively audible. On top of that is good chemistry between the musicians, that also prove they are competent at what they do. Songwriting as well can be quite good, though lacking once in a while. And can also be memorable at times. The band also use some samples that add flavor to the overall atmosphere of the music. At the same time, they are not used too much either.

Overall, Memories from the Abyss is an enjoyable, old school reminiscent ride of death metal from the past. Wait, what? But anyway, it might lack some discipline in some departments, but prove itself to be a good effort, with an overall good execution.

Stand-out tracks: Sniper God, Annihilated Punishment, Last Cahmber to the End.
7,5/10