Through the Eyes of the Dead - Skepsis Review
Posted by Aaron Mayagoitia on 02.08.2010
One of the year’s best metal albums has arrived.
So what’s the body count?
Through the Eyes of the Dead has had several personnel changes throughout its three-album stint with Prosthetic Records; 2005’s Bloodlust was the final album to feature vocalist Anthony Gunnells; 2007’s fan-acclaimed Malice was drummer Josh Kulick’s last with the band, as well as the only album to feature Nate Johnson on vocals. Only the most devoted fans will care to keep track of all – including those before they were signed to Prosthetic – the changes in the band’s ranks, but to those who are getting to know the band just now: the only lineup you should care about is the current Danny Rodriguez (vocals)/Chris Henckle (guitar)/Jake Ososkie (bass)/Justin Longshore (guitar)/Mike Ranne (drums) formation. Why? None of the band’s brutality and edge has been lost in Skepsis.
Oh the brutality!
Skepsis will grind you mercilessly. Every single element that’s in play throughout the album is full of aggression; the vocals are either a deep, low growl or a raving screech delivering sinister lyrics; the drums are impossible, lightning-fast machine gun bursts of percussive awesomeness; the bass has a gut-rumbling tone that cuts through the mix. And this isn’t present in just some tracks, every single song – well, maybe the instrumental intro “Parasite Throne” can be left out – is packed with death metal greatness that is also pristinely produced, not to mention that the album’s length is just right. What keeps the songs from just being a full-on flailing showcase for the band’s instrumental chops is what Chris Henckle and Justin Longshore do with their guitars, which deserves to be given special attention.
No senseless wanking here, folks
Get ready to listen to some great guitar-playing in Skepsis. The charm of Chris Henckle and Justin Longshore’s input is that it injects the music with melody that, were it missing, would result in an album’s worth of neurotic noise. Instead, various standout moments on Skepsis are defined by tasty, ripping solos and dual leads, not to mention inventive riffing that doesn’t lack crunch or aggression. The riffs are precise and diverse, sometimes even with a groove that contrasts the highly mathematical approach that dominates the album.
The good, the bad and the highlights:
The good is that the album is a well-produced chunk of first-class extreme metal. The drumming is insane, the vocals are spot-on, and the guitar input adds a lot overall to the music. This is music to get you in a frenzied state.
There really is no meaningful bad thing to mention about Skepsis other than the unintelligible vocal delivery that’s characteristic of this type of music. Since when is death metal more about the lyrics than the music?
The highlights are:
The Manifest: an awesome, brutal track with a grinding breakdown.
Defaced Reality: hyperactive drumming and a cool hook (!) make it a winner.
Siphonaptera from Within: insane throughout with some added groove.
Got live?
Here’s the band doing “The Manifest” live:
What a ride!
Skepsis is a shot of adrenaline recommendable to any extreme metal fan. This is the type of music you enjoy most when you’re in a hyperactive state and need something that’s equally relentless to carry you forward. Through the Eyes of the Dead shows no signs of slowing down with Skepsis and, if anything, only shows that more brutal and complex horizons await them – if they can stick to a steady lineup.
The 411: Do you like extreme metal? If you answered “yes” then get this album right away. Skepsis is an amazing album and a worthy contender for year-end ‘Top Metal Albums’ lists. The music on display is brutal, tastefully made and executed with the heart-pumping level of intensity you crave. Enough said.
