Artist: Krisiun
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 10/7/03
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Title: Works of Carnage Artist: Krisiun Label: Century Media Records Release Date: 10/7/03 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Go to Reader Reviews | ||
Abyss's Review:
Finally an album title I understand! (I still don’t know what the fuck the phrase "Ageless Venomous" is supposed to mean.) The most popular post-Sepultura Brazilian metal act returns with another album of Morbid Angel and Slayer worship. Works of Carnage is not a far departure from this band’s previous work, but it ups the ante with regard to presentation and songwriting.
"While not enough of a coup to raise this band above the middle tier of death metal, this album is a solid effort that smokes in fits and spasms." While not enough of a coup to raise this band above the middle tier of death metal, this album is a solid effort that smokes in fits and spasms. While some of the songs drone on a little too long or explore uneventful, boring passages (much like Morbid Angel’s latest work), it is usually forgiven before too long when riffs devolve into slamming breakdowns and thunderous bridges.
The production is stellar, allowing the listener to hear every bend and hammer on, and the guitars sound layered and thick, no matter what speed they are played. The vocals have never sounded better, and even though there is nothing all that remarkable about them, they keep the entire package tight and well-dressed.
"So while this might not be the most important release of the year, it is a satisfying album and fun to listen to." Fans of this band will not be disappointed, as I believe this is their strongest effort to date, but the detractors will be able to continue with their accusations of derivativeness and short sightedness. So while this might not be the most important release of the year, it is a satisfying album and fun to listen to. One word review: Solid.
Death's Review:
These decade-old Brazilian death metallers are back with an album that is pretty much exactly what you would expect: brutal death metal with technically proficient musicianship including chaotic and insane drumming and lots of cool riffs. The cool addition is that there seems to be a bit more fluid guitar work here, with both chaotic and melodic (but always aggressive) soloing playing a prominent role. Unfortunately, the production remains sub-par. Sure, you can hear the lead-guitar work, but the thickness of the guitars, bass and drums often just sounds too muddy and too generic. So while the band may have done all it could to deliver a nice, tight and pummeling death metal assault, and has clearly performed all of their parts admirably, there just isn’t enough “presence” to this recording to have it stand out too much and therefore I often find myself moving quickly through it and wanting to hear something else. This is exacerbated by songwriting that is not anywhere near catchy enough. Individual parts in isolation are very cool, but there isn’t much here that sticks in your head and leaves you clamoring for more. It is a telling sign that the most memorable track after repeated listens is the Venom cover (“In League With Satan”).
"It is a telling sign that the most memorable track after repeated listens is the Venom cover (“In League With Satan”)."
Hel's Review:
Brazilian death metallers Krisiun return with all new Works of Carnage. As has happened in the past, I found this album grew on me the more I listened to it. This band is completely phenomenal live, yet their albums never grab me like I think they should. Regardless, their efforts are always worthy of note. Works of Carnage features shredding death metal that will make your ears bleed at high volumes.
"Works of Carnage features shredding death metal that will make your ears bleed at high volumes." I only have one complaint with the production: the double bass drums are buried just a little too low, particularly in comparison with the volume of the snare. Even so, it is clear that the drummer is face-meltingly fast. The guitars keep pace perfectly and a number of time changes and varying riffs make the songs particularly compelling.
This album makes the biggest impact when listened to closely. The first few times I heard it, I was driving around, and obviously, my mind was really on other things. Preceding this review, I sat and sort of zoned out while I just listened and did nothing else. I now realize this is a way better album that I had thought at first.
"Pay close attention to the Works of Carnage - learn the ways of the mighty Krisiun! " And so it goes with Krisiun. Highly lauded for their live shows, their albums unfailingly seem to slide right under the radar. Well, dear fellow metalheads, I say, “no more!” Pay close attention to the Works of Carnage - learn the ways of the mighty Krisiun!
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