RAZOR OF OCCAM

Although the band were formed in 1998, ‘Homage to Martyrs’ is Razor of Occam’s debut full-length, possibly due to the members’ commitment to other bands including Destroyer 666. Kicking off with ‘Altar of Corruption’, the album begins in a most dynamic vein, almost sounding as if the listener has come in half way through a song. The growls sound as ferocious as the music and are clearly pronounced so the lyrics are coherently audible. Being black/death metal with seasonings of thrash, the album bolsters heaviness throughout, utilising catchy riffs on ‘Bite of Dogmata’ and churning groves as heard on ‘Flame Bearers’. However, in an attempt to expand their dimensions, melodic riffs are pitted against their abrasive brothers for instance on ‘Day of Wrath’ and ‘Pattern on the Stone’. The music cycles through a handful of different moods, from the straight-forward aggressive to the sinister and foreboding. The guitar work is exceptional with a confident use of solos throughout which makes the band stand out that much further. In fact, only a few seconds into the opener does the guitar fire into a blazing frenzy of virtuosity. The only profound con with this release is the lack of variation and there are moments in some of the tracks that are wholly forgettable but it is getting increasingly more difficult to break the mould in terms of new music these days. This album is only half an hour long too, making the listening experience like a quick punch to the face and can easily be listened to in a single session. Having said that, this album does beg for repeated listens.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Metal Blade Records

Album

HOMAGE TO MARTYRS

Review by Elena Francis

RUNNING TIME:

33:40

RELEASE DATE:

16th March 2009

TRACK LISTING

1) Altar of Corruption
2) Bite Of Dogmata
3) Day Of Wrath
4) Heat Of Battle
5) Immortal Code
6) Pattern On The Stone
7) Flame Bearers
8) Shadow Of The Cross

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Australia/UK

"The music cycles through a handful of different moods, from the straight-forward aggressive to the sinister and foreboding."