Forever Untouched

Ever wonder what happened to two of metals most influential and defining figures? Then open your ears for this (somewhat) super group line-up. Featuring the now ex-Suffocation drummer, Mike Smith on drums along with one of the greatest bassists in metal, Steve DiGiorgio. Together they would seem to form a perfect rhythm section, but in reality it is practically the opposite. On vocals is Robbe Kok who provides a standard sub-par death metal voice and along with him is guitarist, Miloš Batoćanin, who pretty much does nothing interesting or audible on guitar. On paper this sounds like a killer project right? Sadly, this track is a complete wank fest where each band member seems to be playing their own song on top one another and fighting for room.

First off, the bass! DiGiorgio brings some interesting bass synth that has a strange swirl effect that is going down the toilet. It isn't really a bad sound but it does not fit in the slightest bit with the rest of the band and what is being played. There is a nice bass solo towards the end however. This solo makes the whole atonal wank spree worth sitting through just to hear. I have to admit I'm a bit of a sucker when it comes to DiGiorgio and that is probably why I think this track is slightly tolerable. None the less, DiGiorgio's playing is rather impressive but overall; random and out of place.

The great Mike Smith is on drums and he seems to follow a similar strategy to DiGiorgio. Which is to play greatly, but out of place and completely random. Smith's kit is incredible loud and completely drown out any, and all guitar. The kit tone is clean and sharp but the atonal playing really drive me away. The playing is good, as one would expect, but his performance muds up the tracks with weird and impulsive beats that seem like were made up on the spot. There is some typical Mike Smith blasting to be done here but in the end doesn't impress like he would expect it to. Though the playing is good and the tone is great, Smith just doesn't seem to work well with the best of the band and his random and out of place beats really bring the track down.

Singer, Robbe Kok brings forth a typical death metal vocal approach that all in all is unimpressive and boring. From the beginning till the end you know exactly what you're in for; a snore fest. Kok does his best to alter his voice at times but can't really seem to pull it off. Kok even tries some pig sequels that are pretty generic and tasteless as well. His voice, much like the best of the band, has no rhythm or emotion to it which is a major problem. Kok's voice is also extremely loud. If you thought Smith and DiGiorgio were high up in the mix wait until you hear his cranked up stale voice that blocks out the guitar from the whole track. By the end of this track (if you make it that far) Kok's voice can seem to put you to sleep and that is a huge problem for this song (unless you're searching for the musical sleeping pill).

Miloš Batoćanin on guitar is hardy audible with the constant bass synth, slamming drums and crap vocals constantly shouting in the background. But when he is heard Batoćanin does some typical tremolo picking and plain riffs that cease to impress. The guitar tone is rather flat itself and does no good to the crap riffs. Thankfully, it is mostly blocked by the slightly impressive performance of Mike Smith and Steve DiGiorgio.

If you ever plan on catching up with some of your favorite death metal legends, this is not the place to look. Presenting a heaping pile of random garbage with a cool bass solo thrown in, this track should ultimately be avoided. This band might boast a great rhythm section but other than that they have nothing else going for them. Avoid this track and save your ears for something good.