Album
Type: Full Length
Date
Released: 14/7/2014
Label:
Doomentia Records
‘Procession
Through Infestation’ CD/DD/LP track listing:
1). Procession 05:31
2). The Never Ending Quest 04:45
3). Possession 06:00
4). Crossing the Rite 05:26
5). Infestation 07:02
6). The Divine Door 06:06
7). Oppression 04:14
8). The Blackest Light 05:23
The Band:
Mr. Jacko | Bass, Guitars
Mr. Hitchcock | Vocals
Review:
Just
when I really needed a quality death metal album... Zombiefication return! I
loved “At The Caves of Eternal” a couple of years ago and couldn't wait for
this, the Mexicans' latest effort. The wait was worth it... prepare for this
album to be praised.
‘Procession’ rips out with riffs aplenty (nothing
like the Chilean doom band of the same name!) and a raw production dripping with
reverb. A quirky drum sound completes things for me- no sound replacements
here- the production has character! Time changes, medium paced blasts and
actual memorable riffs complete what is a very strong opener indeed.
‘The Never Ending Quest’ has a drum
fill to open and then comes on like Obituary jamming with Entombed in 1990.
Zombiefication are that rarest of beasts in the death metal world: they don't
sound like anyone else. They have instead carved a niche that sees them draw on
influences from all over death metal's elite, but managing not to resemble
anyone. There is also a healthy doom element to proceedings as things slow
down. The dynamic is a welcome one. There are neck snapping passages here
too-witness the three minute mark and be converted.
‘Possession’ starts fast and keeps things
interesting with varied drumming rhythms, distorted bass and excellent melody
guitar work acting as a counter point to the rumbling filth. The track is kept
interesting by an unusual solo, great ride work and a very unpleasant vibe
throughout.
‘Crossing The Rite’ displays the doomier side of
the band- crawling riffs aplenty- but things are still on the death side of
doom. Some discordant guitar work gives way to a snippet of sinister clean
picking and then the maelstrom of rolling dread resumes. Naturally, the pace
picks up but the band sound anything but generic. Once again, this is unusual
stuff with an absolutely superb riff framing the track.
‘Infestation’ brings a lot of death metal into play
in its seven minutes. The speed is never hyper fast- yes, there are fast
passages, but this is not Hate Eternal or any other band overly fond of blast
beats. There are melancholy guitar lines too, atmosphere is created and then
rudely shattered with dramatic riffs and rolling bass drums. In short, the
track keeps you guessing and allows a crawling sense of dread to predominate
within the reverbed catacombs of its heart. Cool drum outro here too (great
performance throughout the album).
‘The Divine Door’ offers a
similarly contrasting track- slow and sinister, fast and menacing. The track
runs over the six minute mark, but there is a lot of quality in those minutes
so the song does not drag. Instead, the band is at arguably its most progressive
with lots of variation for all instruments and a vibe that would not be out of
place on, by turns, a black metal record, a noise/avant garde LP and a straight
up death metal album from any time in the genre's history. That the band can
branch out a little and retain the essential elements of the genre is to their
credit. ‘Oppression’ is the
shortest track on the record at a little over four minutes but the riffs still
come thick and (not always) fast. Again, it's memorable- catchy even- and shows
the band's song writing ability.
‘The Blackest Light’ is fast and furious to start
before giving way to a killer triplet-time-feel-type riff before going airborne
again. The track provides a very strong statement with which to finish the
album, complete with lead break towards the back end. In summary, this is one
of the strongest and certainly one of the most unusual death metal albums of
the year so far (and likely to remain that way!). The whole album is strong
with some cracking riffs and performances. Unique, dark and crawling with
horror, this is superb stuff. Metal of the highest quality.
Words by: Richard Maw
You
can pick up a copy here
For
more information:
