Devoted to God

The more I get into metal, the more I find myself listening to demos. They often showcase what the band had always wanted to do, but was lacking in time, budget, musical prowess, a well coordinated lineup, or all of the above. Yet sometimes they can obtain legendary status, often due to the pure quality and/or the fact that said band didn't release much music overall (Damaar, Demigod, Morbid, Repudilation, Repulsion, Rippikoulu, Timeghoul, etc.). In the case of this Phlebotomized piece, the quality part is certainly true.

A lot that is present here would remain as the band went forward. Phlebotomized have 6 members already, featuring keyboards in their mix, with occasional operatic sections (although the violin wouldn't appear until Preach Eternal Gospels a year later). From the name and cover to the lyrics, the band's themes are present too, focusing on mysticism, criticising christianity, that sort of stuff. What caught me off-guard were the orchestral elements, whether it's the aforementioned operatic backing vocals, or some of the slower, more complex instrumental parts with the low-pitched, organ-like sound of the keyboards underneath, reminding me of stuff like Master's Hammer wonderfully utilized tympani.

The intro, In Search of Tranquillity (yeah ik, get used to if with my reviews) is featured on both the band's later eponymous EP and their full-length, but I love it here the most. The imperfect nature adds of the acoustic guitar and the later instruments behind it just adds to the psychotic, deranged, melancholic vibe this whole record has. When the next song kicks in proper, most of what this album is about is revealed. Melancholic death/doom that switches tempo regularly to accommodate both styles, with buzzing guitars, punchy bass, and a knack for well-placed virtuosity. The drums never stick to the same beat for too long, while the vocalist also features multiple styles, while mostly sticking to a standard growl. Between their full-length, where they got a different vocalist, I'd say it's up to personal preferences really. As a final remark, I'd note that in the more frenetic parts, it becomes apparent that this is still just a demo, as the sound of all the instruments with the keyboards on top loses quite a bit of clarity and cohesion in a way that doesn't seam intended. The band would figure this all out as time went on.