The Summary Judgment Review:
Title: Elegy for the Weak
Artist: Occult
Label: Candlelight Records
Release Date: 8/24/04

Rating: 3 Skulls
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    • Reviewed by Goatwhore (12/10/05):
    Occult are not exactly a death metal band that's a household name (um, if there are any death metal bands that are household names), but their release Elegy for the Weak is an enjoyable one, indeed.

    They seem to be most renowned for being the former band of Sinister's vocalist Rachel Heyzer. The band deserves to be noticed, though. Yes, I'm describing them as death metal, but there are equal parts, musically, driving forward with the aggressive approach of neck-snapping thrash metal. Scathing, angry black metal vocals round out the band; and while some may scoff at Maurice's monotonous delivery, he balances it out with his outright belligerence.

    There is a similar sense of monotony to Erik's drum work. His hands hold the reigns of the music so things don't explode; however not in a pejorative sense. Unlike the frantic, unrestrained nature of Abaddon's work with Venom in their early days, the skins are bashed confidently and competently enough so as to allow the band to build momentum when they need to - not all the time, and simply for the sake of doing so. And surprisingly, this is done without many interesting fills or accents. He's simply a good drummer maintaining his role as the backbone of the band (a trait lost on many skilled drummers). The juxtaposition of his slower hand work with his blistering-like-lightning double base work probably accentuates his abilities.

    There is a likable sense of urgency running throughout their release that's comparable to Defleshed's Royal Straight Flesh. However, comparing Occult to the relatively more complex God Forbid, the structures are far more basic here. But measured against a band like God Forbid, there is no question that these guys are a hell of a lot more mean and, well, for lack of a better word, EVIL!!!

    But, alas, the final analysis renders a definite frown for the overall monotony. You may be thinking I'm hooked on this word or struggling for synonymous descriptors, but the truth is that monotony is the only way to properly describe this band. Catchy riffs are sprinkled throughout the release, but for a death thrash band, they really need to be throughout.

    That probably comes across a little harsh, but that's just because I tend to be a prick. The fact of the matter is that I enjoy this release. It won't be remembered in the annals of metal lore and history, but it's appeasing me in my pissed off mood. If you're having a bad day, I'm sure you'll enjoy it too.
    3 out of 5

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