The classic death metal style used by Enthrallment
was forged back in 1998. Over the years their music has developed into what
you hear on their latest disc “Smashed Brain Collection.” With
an album named as such, it shouldn’t be too farfetched that they play
brutal death metal with a good beat, and are akin to bands like Cannibal
Corpse, Suffocation, Deicide, and Six Feet Under. You will be surprised
how easily the catchy riffs flow from this band’s instruments. I enjoy
it quite a bit! I’m sure these catchy, hard-hitting, brutal riffs
get the pits going during their shows. I can feel the adrenaline rushing
through my veins! I love the main aggressive riff about a minute into “Experiment
With You.” It reminds me of haunting Deicide riffs. Besides the brutal
riffs, what else does a death metal band need? Yep, you guessed right…blast
beats and guttural death vocals! Enthrallment has both of those elements
represented quite well. I guess there is only one thing to criticize…the
production is mediocre, not really bad, but not really good either. Things
could be a little bit more crisp and a little less demo sounding. For example,
the drums sound like they were recorded in the back of the room; they are
distant. The double bass drums are cheapened to a pop similar to caps going
off in a toy gun. They only make a little bursting sound. If the bass was
pulled out of them more, this album would hit even harder than it already
does. But as long as you’re a person that doesn’t have to have
a crystal clear perfect recording in order to like a band, then you should
be fine with this. It adds some grittiness. The riffing usually will grab
most of your attention anyhow, so it’s not like the quality of the
production will sidetrack you. One final thing, the last tune on the record,
“Awaiting The Death,” has a video filmed for it and it’s
included on the CD-Rom section of the album. There are also live videos
included on there too. The track list for “Smashed Brain Collection”
is comprised of nine tracks that reach over the thirty-one minute mark.
Enthrallment has gotten my attention!
Rating: 84
Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins |
