Search - Chasm :: Spell of Retribution

Solid Epic Old-School Death Metal

General Zombie | the West | 06/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Chasm seem to be pretty low on the DM radar, but now that they're on Eachache maybe they'll start making some waves. Although they may not be hugely innovative in an absolute sense, The Chasm deserve a lot of credit for being iconoclastic in the modern metal scene, eschewing both electronic tinged melodeath crap, and Suffocation-aping tech-death. This is totally old-school DM here, with production that completely sounds like it was recorded in about 1991, and varied, often-melodic riffs. They also have a sense of dynamics uncommon in modern DM, with quite a bit of blasting, but also many slow, doomy passages. And this is some fairly epic stuff, with even the shorter tracks having a great many riff and tempo changes, and a just general feeling of grandure that is, again, uncommon to Death metal. Instrumentally, they are obviously profficient. I particularly like the excellent lead guitar, a true rarity in Death Metal. And, they've got a drummer who isn't just an utterly generic blast machine. (Yeah, I actually like DM drumming quite a bit, but too many people play in EXACTLY the same style.)



Though the individual parts are good, they don't always add up perfectly. Suffice to say, though this album is definitely a good listen, some of the tracks still blur together a bit even after a dozen or so listens. (Still, it may come together a bit more after some more time, as this is some really quite complex stuff) Sounds good while it's there, but it's not always too memorable.(Again, a common DM problem) However, there are a few definite standouts, such as the instrumental opener with it's piercing, instantly memorable lead lines, and track six, with it's doomy melodicism and varied instrumentation, along with a fantastic climactic solo. Anyway, this is just a good DM album, and a must-listen album for those who'd be interested in hearing something that isn't completely of the times."

Amazing

Y. Jossa | NJ | 12/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Chasm are one of the most underrated DM bands in the planet.

With chops and songwriting skills galore, this is an album that will please any DM fan looking for music high on quality and low on hype. The Chasm are well versed in all styles of extreme metal, from old school Celtic Frost and Venom to Morbid Angel and Emperor. This album is a must for any Death Metal fan, you won't be dissapointed."

Brilliant!!!!!!!!

opy666 | Salt Lake City, UT | 06/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the best Death Metal bands ever...it is just a shame they are still mostly unknown even in the metal community. What makes them rise above 99% of other DM bands is their unique and original sound...like nobody else...of course you could be unique and suck, but they are unique in a very good way, trust me...check them out you won't be disappointed!!!"