Artist: Circle of Dead Children
Label: Willowtip
Release Date: 7/12/05
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Title: Zero Comfort Margin Artist: Circle of Dead Children Label: Willowtip Release Date: 7/12/05 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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4 | ||
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Abyss's Review:
When I first heard The Genocide Machine I was completely enamored with this band. Their grind/death bombast reminded me of Brutal Truth in both intensity and artistry and fit in with a strong contemporary group of new grind acts including Nasum, Cephalic Carnage, and Pig Destroyer (amongst others). I must admit I was significantly disappointed by their follow-up, The Human Harvest. While their brutality remained unrelenting, I felt the artistry suffered...and it was this aspect of the band that I always found endearing.I was really looking forward to this band dragging back into the fold with this record. They almost did, as a matter of fact, because this album does recapture some of their past glories. The guitar work is quite interesting in parts, and the rhythm section is hypnotizing, but I find myself ultimately frustrated with this record.
"One word review: (Sorry, I blinked.)" First off, the damn thing is over before it fucking begins. While fifteen tracks is a good length for the average metal album, a grind album with numerous songs in the one to two-minute range that barely lasts twenty minutes I will always find lacking (and don't give me your Reign In Blood retort either... I don't want to hear it!). Secondly, Steve Austin's production job is hit or miss. While this raw and muffled sound works well in the confines of Today Is The Day, with its thick dirges and sludgy power, I feel like I'm missing a good deal of the subtleties going on in the more chaotic parts of this record. In short, I feel like I really have to work to enjoy some of this stuff, and I find myself tired by the end of the album.
Of course, if one can get past those irritations, this band does show that they are able to play with the best in the genre. While many of this band's peers have addressed a more accessible sound, these guys have kept it underground, and there is a lot to be said for that. I was going to give them an extra skull if I finished this review before the album ended, but... One word review: (Sorry, I blinked).
Death's Review:
Fifteen tracks in 20 minutes, with Steve Austin production and the support of Willowtip Records behind it. That should give you the basic idea, right? Unfortunately, that does pretty much get you into the general ballpark. And that's my problem with this CD - it is brutal enough, but I've heard it all before. There is a lot of other great material out there right now, and in this era of metal riches, there just isn't enough time for "just average" any more. So anyway, Circle of Dead Children do have a cool name, quality packaging, the right production and the right attitude overall. But commensurate with their chosen style, the overdose of brutality means a sacrifice of depth, and thus, while there is nothing wrong with the sound and it is particularly difficult to criticize, per se, it's just not what I'm looking for right now. Maybe in 1998 or 2000, this was just what the doctor ordered, but I've moved on to a certain degree and they haven't.
"If you're looking for a pure dose of extremity - look no further." Maybe I'm just feeling jaded right now, maybe it’s because I've been listening to a lot more melodic stuff in the past week (Fates Warning reissue, Iron Maiden’s greatest hits, new Nevermore, etc.). Sure, this is a brutal blast of post-grindcore madness, and if you're looking for a pure dose of extremity - look no further. I'll be listening to the new Arch Enemy, Nevermore and Opeth records instead.
Hel's Review:
Anyone who is familiar with Circle of Dead Children is aware of the positive aspects of the band. The musicianship is impressive and tight, with the rapid progressions generally associated with grindcore executed perfectly. The songs are brief and to the point, and there is generally one track that deviates for the norm for a little diversity.
"Zero Comfort Margin is aptly named – Circle of Dead Children offer no quarter with this release." All of this is once again true for Zero Comfort Margin. I was immediately disappointed by the production, and I would love for the album to last at least ten more minutes. But these negatives are certainly outweighed by the grindy goodness of the songs and the brutal delivery accompanying each.
If you love grindcore and have never heard of Circle of Dead Children, you need to remedy that this instant. Kudos to Willowtip for bringing these guys onboard. I hope I have a chance to see them live in the near future, as I have yet to have that pleasure. In the meantime, I will continue to spin this one whenever I have the chance. Zero Comfort Margin is aptly named – Circle of Dead Children offer no quarter with this release.
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