Within Y
Extended Mental Dimensions
Candlelight
Within Y is another of the Gothenburg spawns of blistering metal bands (see also: The Haunted and In Flames). Extended Mental Dimensions is their debut album, and I can just about guarantee that fans of aggressive and dark death metal will not only like this album, but they’ll probably profess love for it, as I have.
What can I say? I am completely blown away by this album, with not a single note or riff rubbing me in the wrong way. The guitars remind me of WWIII bands (that really scratchy, thick, full sound that many of their bands fancy). The riffs are straight-forward, the kinds that you would expect to find from a thrash metal band. They don’t go out of their way to show off, yet it’s clearly evident that they are talented and know how to put together a catchy tune. The drummer, too, is no show off, but he hits hard and occasionally shows his chops in the form of some tricky fills. His sound is full and powerful, with the toms and kick drum packing a Mike Tyson-sized punch. The vocalist has a really throaty scream/growl that is not only frightening, but sounds very painful. His presence on the album is subdued somewhat (the vocals are kind of low in the mix), but he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
There’s not enough that I can say about Extended Mental Dimensions. It’s one of the most incredible debut releases I’ve ever heard. I rank it up there with Gang of Four’s Entertainment and Violent Femme’s self-titled debut – it’s seriously that good. If you haven’t managed to hear about these guys, I stake my possessions and livelihood that death metal fans will find this album completely appealing and wonderful. A+!
Candlelight: http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk/
