OVERGARVEN „Promo 2005”

OVERGARVEN's start came back in late 2001, then under the name WARFARE. Once realizing that this name was already being used, WARFARE morphed into OVERGARVEN and they produced their first promo in 2003. In 2004, the band went through a few lineup changes but have survived and offered this promotional disc in 2005. Since the release of this promo, OVERGARVEN have released a full length via Metal Bolt Productions entitled “Just a Fake” which features a mixtute of new material and re-recorded tracks from the 2005 promo.

Now that the history lesson is over, OVERGARVEN are a self-described “melodic death metal” band which I would loosely agree with. Yes, OVERGARVEN does have the foundation of melodic death metal however, I do see some power metal (i.e. IRON MAIDEN) and some slower old school thrash (namely MEGADETH) coming through on these tracks, neither of which bands I would call myself a fan of to be honest (not doubting their contribution to metal by any stretch of the imagination, just not necessarily my cup of tea). Anyway, now that I got that out of the way, those elements incorporated into OVERGARVEN's sound seem to detract from what could be well played melodic death metal. Another thing that bothered me about this album is the female vocals (tracks: “Bleeding World” and “Let Me Die” as well as the female spoken word on “Rehenta”. The male/female vocal mix almost seems out of place, and is definitely poorly executed. Lastly, I thought the production was subpar to say the least. Instruments were seemingly non-existent at some points and drowned out at others, especially the bass which in turn creates a dull tempo.

Did I like anything about this promo? Not really. Honestly this record got on my nerves more than anything else. I thought the riffs were ripoffs for the most part of the aforementioned bands (there were a couple of cool solos though) and the drumming almost lifeless and definitely not technically diverse. I thought the male growls and screams were pretty decent but once again, not something I've never heard before, and as a matter of fact, I've heard them done better as well. All in all, I'm not a big fan of these guys and seeing as how these tracks make up half of the full length, I will probably be passing on that album as well.

note: 1.75 / 10

Tracklist

Bleeding World
Just A Fake
Shattered Values
Rehenta
Let Me Die

Line-up

Dick “Hammer” Nick: guitars
Nick: rhythm guitar
Pery: bass
Thodoris: drums
Kostas “Sirrah”: vocals