Incassum - In Vain

Genre - Metal / Progressive
Label - Casket music

Track listing -
01 - The Beckoning
02 - History Repeats
03 - Space To Breathe
04 - So Red
05 - All These Lies
06 - In Vain

Unfortunately for Incassum (a Latin word meaning In Vain), the band’s sound offers up nothing new or exciting. They seem to combine a lot of musical ideas that have already been done, in most cases so much better too. Musically they come across as a Death / Gothic metal band with slight Evanescence tendencies, unfortunately Sharleen Kennedy's vocals just aren’t up to the job.
In most cases the music comes across as a little dull and uninspired, although it does have its moments, I thoroughly enjoyed Space To Breathe and the opening of title track In Vain, but I fear the good points were too far and few in between to warrant repeat listening. Sorry


website - http://www.myspace.com/incassum
Rating - 6/10

Demontuary - Of The Fallen Years

(Genre - Black Metal / Death Metal / Metal Label - Heaven and Hell Records)

Track Listing -

01. From the Depths
02. Thou Art the Flame
03. Shores of the Damned
04. Days of Infernal Insanity
05. Spirits of the Dark Waters
06. Outro
07. Infinite Twilight
08. Dawn of the Blackest Sun
09. Writhe in Vengeance
10. For Those Who Died
11. Desolation and War
12. Ancient Gods of Battles Past
13. Journey’s End

Of the Fallen Years, is a collection of rare early material by the American black metal band now known as Demontuary. Unlike so many of the other bands of the same genre from this time, Demontuary skipped the clichéd trappings of overly satanic themes and stripped back productions, in favor of battle themed songs and a well polished and very aggressive sound. These recording were made between 1997 and 1999, and you can hear just how much the bands songwriting and musicianship developed during that period.
The songs are very well structured and although I’m no fan of growly shouty vocals (that come as part and parcel of this genre unfortunately),front man Crom does a pretty good job.
There are some great symphonic metal moments here too, and the keyboards really do add a dimension to the songs, adding a little atmosphere and softening the relentless battering that the band dish out.
This is album is a great collection of tracks , showcasing a band that many may have missed or overlooked, so if you’re a fan of the genre check these guys out, there’s some good stuff on here!
Standout tracks include, Infinite Twighlight and For Those Who Died.

website - http://www.myspace.com/demontuary666
rating - 7/10