Embedded Files
PLASMODULATED "An Ocean Ov Putrid, Stinky, Vile, Disgusting Hell"
PLASMODULATED "An Ocean Ov Putrid, Stinky, Vile, Disgusting Hell"
By Dr. Abner Mality
I'll admit, the title of this one didn't have me expecting much. Another gurgling, lowtuned mass of swampy death metal mush. Plus, I hate anything with the stupid non-word "ov" in it. What a surprise, then, when I find PLASMODULATED are far more entertaining and unpredictable than what I feared. It stands out from the pack of current caveman death metal.
The press sheet makes much of the fact that the guitars here are tuned to E, which used to be the norm in the 80's and early 90's for extreme metal instead of the current reliance on ultra low tuned tones. It does indeed give this album a distinctly nostalgic feel that brings to mind classic Florida DM.. But it's more than just the guitar sound that makes the album stand out. PLASMODULATED's songs are full of catchy yet advanced riffs...almost like a morbid take on early VOI VOD! There's a lot of twin harmony lead work, too. I'm reminded of forgotten old Florida band RESURRECTION in the slower moments.
The musicianship is very sharp, especially the grooving bass-drum interplay. Toss in a lot of creepy analog synth tones to add eerie atmosphere and PLASMODULATED have carved out a cool niche for themselves. But never doubt that the soul of this band is in repulsive death metal. The growling, heavily reverbed vocals nail that point home with authority. Favorite tracks? The two part "Entering the Gastral Realm" demonstrates the band's strengths splendidly, but I think it's the multi-faceted title track that really cranks. Listen how it goes from a pulsing mid-paced rumble to a fast blast of killer thrash and then a catchy stretch of angular VOI VOD-ism. Never has a song had such a stupid title yet such a crushing delivery!
Report abuse