Average Rating: 5
Demo Title: Beyond the Flesh
Band Members: Justin Leary (Vocals, guitar), Rick Flanegan (Guitar), Senen Solis (drums), Matt Deturo (Bass)
Location: New Jersey
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There are currently 1 Reviews of this Demo.
Average Rating: 5 |
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Band Name: What the Mind Perceives
Demo Title: Beyond the Flesh Band Members: Justin Leary (Vocals, guitar), Rick Flanegan (Guitar), Senen Solis (drums), Matt Deturo (Bass) Location: New Jersey |
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Kefka X's Review:
Is it me or is every American metal band taking a large chunk of their style from Europe as of late? I don't know, but it seems like every corner you turn (or should I say, every show you pay to get into) there's at least one band on the bill that is playing something derivative of the European death/thrash styling. Which brings us over to New Jersey's golden child, Beyond the Flesh. This act has been around for a few years now, and this is their first full-length release, What the Mind Perceives.Let's start off with the presentation, which is what hit me the second I opened up the packaging. For a self-released album, this screams quality and effort. There are plenty of lyrics, band photos, and artwork to keep the eye amused as the listening experience attacks you. Next, this one was mastered in the legendary Morrisound studios, so you can tell that this band isn't messing around when it comes to their music. And the music itself? What the Mind Perceives is packed with ten full songs. This might not seem like an accomplishment, but in comparison to most other self-released albums and demos, this is both pleasing and inspiring. Hell, this is so professional you might as well put it on Relapse or Metal Blade.
Now let's move on to the music itself. Beyond the Flesh plays European melodic death/thrash with some Florida touches of the early 90's progressive death explosion. Unfortunately, there are so many bands that are borrowing from Europe right now that I can't keep track of them. And while I enjoy this sort of music, too much of it makes my brain hurt. Beyond the Flesh has a lot working in its favor, though. For one, there are no clean vocals. I have nothing against clean vocals whatsoever, I'm glad to hear singers that can be versatile in their vocal performances. It just seems that as of late there have been too many singers that just suck. It feels good to not hear a singer that sounds like an ass for a change.
Two, there are more death than melodic influences, which is VERY refreshing (especially for a death metal fan as myself.) One band that I can pull a lot of influence from is Death (which also wins big points in my book.) You don't see many bands even attempting to touch this sound that these legendary gods have put on the table, but Beyond the Flesh goes for it, and does it well. Every musician on this album is fantastic. The standout musician of them all, however, is drummer Senen Solis. Keep your ears open, this could be the next Gene Hoglan of technical progressive death.
To summarize, Beyond the Flesh has put out a fantastic effort and a quality album that goes "beyond" the calling and goes 110%. They know what they're doing, and they're doing it well. This is going down in my book as the best demo to come out so far this year.
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