Criminally underrated band
Evan P. Archer | 09/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Gorod is right now the most interesting band in metal, yet hardly anyone knows about them. This album is just insane. When I first heard Gorod, I thought they were a lot like Decapitated, one of the great technical death metal bands of all time. But further listening convinced me that Gorod, while having some basic things in common with Decapitated, is actually much more interesting and creative. Seriously, no other bands are doing a sound much like this at all. It's brutal and technical as hell, yet so catchy and free-flowing. There are actual songs here, and they can easily be distinguished from one another after just a few listens. I've found that the same can't be said for many bands playing a technial, brutal style. All metal fans should hear this. It's so creative, especially for a genre that has been hurting for some originality lately. I can't believe this band gets nowhere near the attention of Necrophagist when they're so much more interesting. This is the best metal album that has been released in 2009 as of early September. I doubt anything will beat it."
One of the best bands you've probably never heard of.
Sweden Is God | 11/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Gorod defies classification in a lot of ways. The most appropriate genre is probably technical detah metal, but Gorod absolutelly should not be included with bands like Suffocation, Cryptopsy, or Decapitated. Gorod shares some aspects like a lot of blast-beats, growling, and numerous tempo changes within each song, but they add a lot of melody and other elements to the onslaught.
First off, they play guitar scales that very few bands use effectivelly(Sins of Omission from Sweden is one) and add a really incredible classical vibe to the riffs. There is almost no riff on this album that doesn't involve more finger movement than most non-virtuoso guitarist could attempt to handle. They don't overplay, however, and everything is done tastefully. They simply understand progression more than most guitarists and every bridge, chorus, and breakdown fit right into one another like a finely crafted puzzle. They also don't throw a million and one solos at your face but, when they do, they always make sure it fits the song. There are many melodic interludes akin to something you'd expect from a band like Dream Theater or Death and you can look forward to a new, fresh sounding one almost every song. Almost nothing is recycled on the cd and when the occasional repetitative blast-beat arises, they always make sure to follow it with something very individual to that particular song.
The drummer is a true drummer in every sense of the word. I'm sick and tired of drummers who do nothing but blast all day and play the same tired, old rolls over and over every song. Right from the off you can hear that his influence extends beyond traditional death metal. He likes to use his splashs sparingly, play syncopating cymbal rythmes, and throw in his own unique rolls and fills much more than most drummers in the genre. His beats are, for the most part, completelly original and he doesn't do more than the song calls for. There are more than a few instances of jazz influence in this cd from all musicians and he follows suit. He can play fast, slow, soft, hard, and even does all four over the course of 4-8 bars of music at the end of one song. You can tell he has his chops well in order and is there to make the music more rich and he does so 100%. His drummign style is very organic and that is something to cherish in a genre[technical death metal] where 99% of the drummers have loads of dexterity and stamina, but lack creativity and a real voice.
Even the bass-work on the cd is something to look for. There is much more presense in the bass lines due to a lot of lead guitar-work and the way the cd is produced. He likewise puts a lot of classically inspired flavor in each song and I enjoy listening to him almost as much as I do the other guys in the band.
This cd is something Technical Death Metal freaks may or may not enjoy, depending on how much melody you can stomach. Fans of bands like Athiest, Cynic, Death, Believer, or Opeth will probably get the most out of this cd, as will fans of the Melodic Death genre. There were more moments than I can remember during the course of the cd that I said to myself, "They obviously love Athiest/Cynic/Death". They don't copy them, however. This cd stands alone right now and, as the previous reviewer said, is probably my choice for album of the year so far this year. You can't go wrong getting this cd if you a fan of vibrant, diverse, and well-performed music."
Just sit back and enjoy the ride!
The NewReview | USA | 12/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Destroying airwaves all the way from France, comes Gorod, with their brand new album, "Process of a New Decline." Being a fan of Gorod since the release of, "Neurotripsicks" I was excited to hear this new album! After having listened to it in it's entirety, though, did I like what I heard?
Short answer: Yes! Gorod is a technical death metal band, and they've nearly mastered the genre! Critics of death metal like to say that it's just noise, or that the bands are just beating on trash cans, well, I challenge those critics to listen to "Process of a New Decline," and still say it's just a band beating on trash cans!
The first song on the album, "Disavow your God" sets the tone right away! This first track literally takes you several different places until the song is over. There is even a slightly progressive feel to it. This may not be for everyone, but still deserves a chance to be heard!
The fifth song on the album is called, "The Path," which is quite fitting as each song takes you on a different path through a musical experience. One thing that really sets this album apart from a lot of other technical death metal albums is the fact that the guitar riffs are actually quite catchy, and almost melodic and hypnotic at the same time! I actually like this, but some may feel that the guitar solos take away from the rest of the song. I think, however, that it helps the song reach different places that you wouldn't expect to go.
Some are going to say that Process of a New Decline sounds or draws from other technical death metal albums, but listening to it in it's entirety, I can say without a doubt that it stands alone from most other albums out there! As stated earlier, I was already a fan of the band, and I'm not disappointed at all with this most recent effort!
Growling vocals, heavy riffs, blistering fast drums, and brilliant guitar work all work together from the start of the album all the way to the end! Put on this album, and just sit back and enjoy the ride!
OUR RATING
(4.5/5)"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1