Immense Intense Suspense

Music is good not only for expanding the mind of the listener, but for the mind of the musician as well. Now, tell this to a Metallica whore, and you're more than likely to get a(more or less) blank expression.

Now, let's talk about the album.

The debut of(what most metalheads would define as an avant-garde band) Phlebotomized has proven that they're a force to reckoned with within the very first track. One of the progenitors of true avant-garde death metal did not necessarily need to rely on technical prowess to prove their worth(albeit, they possess quite a bit of it); all they needed was a violin and an expanding musical vernacular. Speaking of which, the violin is never failing to keep up with the heaviness of each riff and manages to maintain its independence in the process. Also, the calmer passages 'In Search of Tranquility' and 'Gone...' act as palate cleansers(of sorts) to keep monotony at bay; however, the monotony is where I have to draw the line.

Let me explain;

My main peeve with this album would have to be(wait for it, wait for it) its sonic repetitiousness. Most of the songs tend to have a similar pattern based on emphasizing the root note(not to say it's a bad thing, BUT YOU'RE IN AN AVANT-GARDE METAL BAND; show me a little more than building on root notes). The majority of this album could be construed as being more like space-fillers instead of actual songs that one can listen to and still have a different response with each and every listen. The songs also have a hard time conveying the more death metal-esque vibe without it overpowering the more classical aspect of its sound.

Through it all, it isn't often that bands manage to integrate classical elements WELL. Phlebotomized happens to be one such band that does so; and for that, they have my respect. This is an album that more than deserves to be bought and/or listened to; however, I suggest that one listen to it in smaller quantities to keep it from becoming just another bid on eBay.

A masterpiece it is; yet it remains flawed in my eyes. Then again, masterpieces aren't masterpieces because they are 'perfect' overall; masterpieces are such because individuals are more than willing to overlook the flaws to find their interpretation of perfection.