Artist: Confessor
Label: Earache Records
Release Date: 1991
Rating: 4 Skulls
|
|
Title: Condemned Artist: Confessor Label: Earache Records Release Date: 1991
Rating: 4 Skulls |
|
|
|
||
Reviewed by Requiem:
Every once in a while there is a band with a unique vision, unlike anything previously comprehensible. Sometimes this vision is so far in left field that many just view it as unnecessary attempt to be different. Others see through the dense fog surrounding the vision and realize that much beauty lies within. Myself and a handful of others can see through this overwhelming fog surrounding this immensely talented act, yet they are banished by the metal masses for the avantegarde style of metal they once created. I see them in almost the same context as free jazz, understood by few but highly praised by small cult groups. Confessor is cult by every sense of the word, creating a blend of thrash/doom with tempos so out of whack that only the finest percussionists can begin to make sense of it all. To the rest of us, it is pure beauty knowing the skill and utter disregard of conventional music put into each classic track.The main gripe with most listeners is the screeching, almost out of key vocal style of Scott Jeffreys. Many are sent running for the door in complete panic upon his first wail. But the truth of the matter is each element is handled so unconventionally that it only fits like the last piece of a perplexing puzzle. With all the new hype on Meshuggah, many will be awestruck by the tempo twisting style of drummer Stephen Shelton. This man's concept of time is on a different wavelength than even the most intricate of drummers. He should be immortalized for his sheer ability to tear a drum kit apart like no other. The guitars somehow are able to follow him and play Sabbath-like riffs as an anchor for the drums to go off on a tangent to. In the end, it's jaw dropping. If someone told me Mr. Shelton had 4 arms and legs, I'd be half tempted to believe them.
For those that think the vocals are done in an out of tune manner, so be it. But I believe every note is completely in perfect control much like a free jazz saxophone player is in perfect control of his instrument. Scott's delivery is a bit on the weird style but it is astounding none the less. This man has got some pipes that can hit the highest of high notes and then belt out a scream that would rival the sickest vocalists out there. I find it all fits quite perfectly and I've been shunned for it since the album's release 11 years ago. One fine example is the last track where Scott screams "SUFFFFERRRR!!!!!!!" It knocks me on my ass every time as one of the most balls out screams in the history of metal.
So for those of you who call yourselves open minded, give yourself a little challenge. Put on your finest math metal hat and prepare to unravel the utter ridiculousness of Confessor. If you are into Meshuggah, Dillinger Escape Plan, Cephalic Carnage or stuff like The Fucking Champs, this stuff is right up that alley and far more legendary as far as I'm concerned. You and I just missed the long awaited Confessor reunion this past weekend (sniff, sniff). It would have been nice to see humans reproducing this unique brand of metal mayhem. If you hate the vocals, at least you can appreciate it for it's musical proficiency... but then again, maybe not. This is for only the most progressive of metalheads out there. Become one.
[- Metal Judgment Home -] [- Email Metal Judgment -]
©1999 Metal Judgment. All rights reserved.