Music: Progressive Technical Death Metal
Website: http://www.cerebrum.gr
Country: Greece
Duration: 42:45 (11 songs)
Cool songs: Scatter-Brain, Thorns of Weakness, Shreds of Remains
The number of death metal fans on the Balkan Peninsula has rapidly increased within the last few years. Side by side with bands like SICKENING HORROR, MASS INFECTION or THE CIRCLE OF ZAPHYAN, the Athenian band CEREBRUM, originated in year 2004, has recently released its debut album “Spectral Extravagance.” Yet only their names show, that they're no strangers in this respect drummer George Kollias, who is well known for playing with bands such as NILE or NIGHTFALL, or Apollon Zygomalas from already mentioned THE CIRCLE OF ZAPHYAN.
“Cerebrum is killer music to stimulate the Pineal Gland!” – Mike Browning (Nocturnus, Morbid Angel)
“Spectral Extravagance” is another piece from Czech Lacerated Enemy Records, responsible for bands like COVENANCE or SAVAGERY, so it's no surprise that this album isn't ordinary at all. This somewhat groovy and progressive record will surely delight all friends of technical death metal, but not only them. Where many musicians loose control of their playing and let their music change into narcissistic display of unlistenable solos, CEREBRUM on the contrary even enhance the melodies. The guitars can play two completely different parts, yet everything is still coungruous and fits in. Despite the complexity and unambiguous logicality of their music the album remains direct and open, therefore also intelligible. Nevertheless you must be really concentrated, otherwise you can get lost easily. Very surprising is the presence of clean vocals, somewhat disturbing, yet still pleasant every time they unexpectedly peep out. Worth mentioning is also the creepy naturalistic and cosmical theme of the album, presented both lyrically and graphically in the artwork from Xaay.
“Cerebrum, tight technical metal that reminds me of my days in Watchtower. But with a twist! Dark, heavy vocals that leave you wanting more. This is a band I would have zero problems promoting nor playing a show with! Great job guys!” – Alan Tecchio (Watchtower, Hades)
“Spectral Extravagance” is an interesting record, especially considering that it's only a debut. You don't have a chance to get bored while listening to it, as there is always something new going on that you haven't heard yet. Perhaps because it could spell another step in making technical death metal a little bit more approachable, I really recommend listening to it.
note: 8/10
Tracklist
1. Fragments Of Illusion
2. Scatter-Brain
3. Pattern Of Fear
4. Intolerable Ado
5. Epiphysis Thrive
6. Edge Of Parallel Circles
7. Beyond Imagination
8. Thorns Of Weakness
9. Salvia Divinorum
10. The Prologue Of Completion (instrumental)
11. Shreds Of Remains
Line-up
Apollon Zygomalas – Vocals
Jim Touras – Guitar
Mike Papadopoulos – Guitar
George Skullkos – Bass
George Kollias – Drums
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