Immense Intense Suspense / Skycontact

The great Phlebotomized was resurrected sometime in 2013 to some fanfare, and has been re-releasing its short catalogue in various formats (including a beautiful purple double LP of “Preach Eternal Gospels” and the “Devoted to God” demo). Prior to this release, one had to fork out $40-$70 dollars on ebay for the rare and sough after original versions. I was into the band enough that I probably shelled out $300 total for the bulk of the band’s discography (in true metalhead fashion, no regrets!). And now, a savvy buyer can obtain both of the band’s full-length albums, the doomy and mysterious “Immense Intense Suspense” and the beautiful and organic “Skycontact” for less than 30 dollars. Both albums are lost classics of the 90’s Dutch scene, and are essential for any metal fan that enjoys thoughtful music.

Even though it is only partially metal, the stronger album here is “Skycontact” in my opinion. Being a seven piece at its peak, Phlebotomized can be characterized as a band with clashing angles and parts. This results in moments on the first full length (and earlier recordings) that can be described as disjointed and awkward, and will perhaps dull the experience for listeners who demand complete ease and effortlessness in their music. Most of these moments disappear on the latter record, which is much more fluid. Yet for those who enjoy beautiful imperfection, “Suspense” (complete with its lovably goofy artwork) quickly becomes an extremely immersive experience. Somewhat comparable to Amorphis’ beloved “Tales From the Thousand Lakes,” it is thick with captivating sounds (and the signature violin of Maartin Post) and evokes deep emotions in the listener. Excellent brooding and complex tracks like ‘Dubbed Forswearer’ and ‘Subtle Disbalanced Liquidity’ intrigue with their many movements, and moments of peacefulness and sorrow are also exemplified by ‘In Search of Tranquility” and “Gone…’ ‘Barricade’ destroys the gates as an opener and the epic ‘Mellow are the Reverberations’ is a journey unto itself. Listing the tracks individually does not do the work justice, as it is meant to be heard from front to back. ‘Gone…’ ends on an extremely devastating note, with shouts and roars of “IT’S NOT FAIR!!!” lamenting the loss of loved ones and cursing the cycle of life and death created by God.

This brings us to “Skycontact,” (which also has goofy artwork), a fusion album that covers a great swath of 90’s musical genres. While ‘Immense’ was all over the place for a vaguely death metal album, ‘Skycontact’ achieves both forcefulness and subtlety as a vaguely alternative/hard-rock album. Perhaps secondary to the aesthetic differences is the far ore natural and organic chemistry between the members (now a lean six piece) and therefore a more natural sounding album. I am biased, as it is a personal favorite of mine, but the mix the band releases here is really something special. As with their first full length, it is pointless to name highlights, but a few things to look out for include a ‘Videodrome’ sample that makes ‘Sholestolesoul’ an effective mediation on the nature of media-inhalation, the guitar-melody that comes to beautiful life on ‘Sometimes,’ and the catchy and fun ‘Achin’ as a whole. Upon hearing about the re-release, I had hoped that the secret track ‘Dizz-Tanse’ would be included as part of the regular track listing, and it is. But this time, it appears as a “break” between the first half of the album and the four song suite (now one track) ‘I Hope You Know,’ which takes some getting used to. The suite itself is a masterpiece of emotion and beauty that is probably best uninterrupted by divisions, but having bookmarks always helps (the Bathory disks come to mind).

Bands come and go, and come back, and they will continue to do so, but fans of Phelebotomized are surely looking forward to a new recording. Will the band create something closer to their earlier grindier material? Their mid-period death-doom or even a more whacked out ‘next-step’ along the lines of ‘Skycontact?’ I look forward to hearing new things from this older band.

Originally Published In Metalegion Magazine:
www.metalegion.com/content/issue-1/