The Pitch: "Brutal, unrelenting death metal" from the UK with Middle Eastern and Greek and Roman mythological influences, featuring ex-members of Bloodshot Dawn. FFO Behemoth, Hate Eternal, Cannibal Corpse
What I Like: This album is above all else intensely heavy. I could draw some pretty strong parallel's to Behemoth's Demigod in the sheer density of the drums and riffs along with Babylonian-sounding melodies. But Titanomachy takes things to a technical climax that rises above their peers. The guitars are not only supremely oppressive, but also highly proficient in both speed and traversing of the fretboard. It sounds exhausting. Sometimes these sweeps, tremolos, and other techniques will rage across the entire song. That's not even factoring in the face melting solos ("Skies That Bear Thunder"). It's a tight package when you also consider the endless cascades of shifting double bass and brutal vocals. Doug Anderson really brings some powerful lows, but does a good job of throwing in a few shrieking highs to mix things up.
What I Don't Like: It's not necessarily the most original-sounding album; but given the level at which these guys play one could argue that they play this style better than those who made it popular to begin with. I could also stand a bit more differentiation between the tracks.
The Verdict: Everything a good death metal album should be: brutally heavy, filled with raging guitars, and engaging from start to finish. I am told they are already working on the follow-up, and I look forward to hearing it.
Flight's Fav's: Beast From Beneath, Phlegethon Rising, Neither Like Gods Nor Men