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Allright, for starters, I'd like to take the mandatory potshot at the bands name. I know they take a lot of flak for it, but honestly, they deserve it. They claim it comes from Edgar Allen Poe, and don't get me wrong, he was an amazing writer. Granted Edgar did write some very dark and brooding things. The phrase dew-scented, was not one of them. So if their defense was that it was from Poe and thus dark and evil or something (typical basis for a death/thrash band name) I defy them to explain how the smell of moisture is intimidating. Band name aside, this album is allright. I hadn't heard anything from this band before, and didn't know much other than that they were in the vein of thrash with death vocals and drums. Well, that pretty much sums up the album. It's got nice guitar riffing, which sounds a lot like older thrash (thats a good thing, in case you were wondering) and some pretty solid and relentless skinbashing. The vocals however, fail to impress me in the least. I'm actually a pretty big fan of death metal vocals, screaming, growling, sounding raspy etc. etc. But this guy is, to put it simply, bland. He reminds me a lot of the typical hardcore singer, who just seems to be scream in a monotone the whole way through the album.
I can't really lie, I really do get into this album, and I love having it in my stereo. But I can't bring myself to give it a higher rating than a 7 because despite the fact that I dig it and really do believe that all of you will as well, it really doesn't bring anything new or exciting to the table. Nor does it execute anything exceptionally well. They've just got the formula down really well and know how to get your head bobbing. And there's nothing wrong with that as far as I'm concerned, but it does keep the album from being a top-tier release in the genre. On that note, I can't say that any particular track stands out because they're all pretty much the same. Another thing that I can't really explain but find disappointing is the fact that once the album is over, it's just plain out of mind. There's no afterthought, no humming or imaginary humming through some of your favorite songs, its just over. When I finish listening to the new Nevermore album, I'm left THINKING about it. Remembing some part of some song that left an impression on me or was just too catchy to forget. I think that for an album to be "the shit" it's really gotta have some groove and at least the tiniest bit of "catch" to it. Well, Issue VI completely misses the mark in that category because the band doesn't seem to make any effort to make their music stick with you.
Anyway, to give you the low down in one sentence: Rockin album with little innovation to offer from a band with the worst name I think I've ever heard. You will definitely like this if you're into thrash, and will most likely find something to enjoy if you're a death metal fan. Issue VI doesn't offer anything special enough to draw in other listeners though, so be forewarned. Otherwise, crank it up, drive with the windows down, and give metal horns to frightened pedestrians.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Processing Life |
| 2. Rituals Of Time |
| 3. Turn To Ash |
| 4. Ruins Of Hope |
| 5. Out Of The Self |
| 6. The Prison Of Reason |
| 7. Bled Dry |
| 8. In Defeat |
| 9. Never To Return |
| 10. Vortex |
| 11. Conceptual End |
| 12. Evil Dead |
: 45.55
| Buy other Dew-Scented albums |
