Chapters 1-4

Progressive metal can take many, many forms. It used to be that if you heard the term “progressive metal”, it was likely some form of Dream Theater or Fates Warning. Nowadays, the progressive tag gets thrown onto everything from sludge to black metal. Calling something progressive is all well and good, but have we, as a metal community, been too quick to throw the tag onto everything that sounds even remotely different? In Human Form, self ascribed progressive black metallers from Massachusetts, debuted four tracks in 2008 simply called “Chapter I-IV”, that challenge the standard delivery of black metal, but is it truly progressive?

The term “progressive black metal” could have so many connotations and could get your brain firing in different directions all at once. It's safe to say that In Human Form is firmly rooted in the blackened realms. Specks and spatterings of outside influences creep in, but it's rarely more than a passing nod to other metal sub-genres. “Chapters I-IV” is a difficult and abrasive listen, as there is a lot going on at all times. In short, standard second wave inspired black metal with hints of traditional metal, death metal, thrash and ::gasp:: mathcore (or whatever you call it).

The guitars on this release are all over the place. The core guitar lines are definitely black metal, complete with fast paced trem picking and chugging, reminiscent of “Blizzard Beasts” era Immortal, only less epic. Picking a single identifying sound for the guitars is difficult, though. Even though this release is only twenty-four minutes long, it's a constant roller coaster ride. Trem picked riffs merge into thrashy, chugging segues and grow into plodding, blackened doom sections. Certain sections, and I imagine this is why the band considers themselves progressive, have very frantic lead guitar lines thrown in, much like a black metal version of, say, Dillinger Escape Plan. Rather than coming across as pretentious like many who utilize this, the leads fit very well and, actually, lend a traditional feel to the songs, like Adrian Smith soloing over a black metal album.

The bass lines are slightly above average and for the most part follow the guitar lines around like a lost puppy. There are occasional sections where a walking bass line pops out from behind the wall of sound, and it's usually when the band slows into a doomier sections. The drums are beastly, to say the least. When the guitars are blazing through trem lines, the drums are full on blast beats. When the guitars go to a chugging death thrash style,the drums are fast, catchy and precise. Well, the drums are precise and catchy for the whole ride. The entire release is like one constant drum roll. The closest comparison I can find to the drumming here is the recent output of Deathspell Omega: fast as hell, precise, tight and controlled.

Vocals are of the standard variety for most of “Chapters I-IV”. There are two rather distinct styles present, and I've yet to determine if they come from the same person or if parts are done by a backup vocalist. The approach utilized for most of the release is a very hollow, raspy style that sticks to a slightly higher register than most. These higher vocals eerily remind me of Proscriptor's work with Absu (“Highland Tyrant Attack” especially). The other style of vocals sounds straight off a brutal death metal album, being deep and guttural and not at all my cup of tea. It's such a stark contrast when put next to the high pitched screaming and it really feels out of place when it pops up.

I wouldn't really call In Human Form's debut “progressive” black metal. What it is, though, is a full on black metal assault. Don't let the progressive tag fool you, because if you don't like black metal, you won't like this. Recommended to fans of Deathspell Omega and the like. This is too hectic and busy for the casual black metal listener.