Angelic Desolation's 'Orchestronic Abortion' | REVIEW

 Disclaimer: I hate to have to put this, as it seems obvious - but I've got in trouble for it in the distant past (on another blog). Clearly, the album title on songs contained within follow the same tropes set forth by bands such as Cannibal Corpse. It doesn't mean that I, or likely the band (can't speak for them, but I'm assuming), truly support any of the subject matter tackled in any of these tracks. I'm simply reviewing an album, that is all.

There is an expectation that comes with an album titled Orchestronic Abortion; the sort of music that is designed for some pubescent teenager to blare to piss off their parents and forward that self-destructive alienation we all tend to participate in as we pass our first decade of existence. No, I don't think that Angelic Desolation intentionally aims for this certain demographic - but I know, as I know as I was one, that the monstrosity they've constructed here will doubtlessly resonate with anyone tackling this stage of life (who likes death metal, of course).

I suppose at some point I was going to have to tackle a sound like this - or, more specifically, a theme. You see, what we've got here is a collection of songs which essentially follow the 'shock rock' ideal. Angelic Desolation crafts a thundering landscape of thoroughly outrageous imagery and backs it up with some truly impressive musicianship. Oft, as I powered through Orchestronic Abortion's eight tracks, did I stop and think of how -despite the fact my ears were being subjected to tracks titled Shake the Baby, AIDs Chimp Attack, and Forced Gender Reassignment- the sound was just so damn good. It's death metal, through and through, but not exactly the sort of Cannibal Corpse inspired styling that I thought it might be. Deep within this putrid mass of sound, there is clearly a group of people that know how to write a song. Sure, there is an attempt to make things sound busy - but underneath the tremolo picking and double kicks - a truly impressive structure resonates.

These new-age protein diets are getting out of hand.

Sadly, I don't really think anyone listens to something like this for the impressive songwriting. Clearly, I've dug into what it's all about already - and going on about that would just be me writing another paragraph about how every song has some insane subject that'll likely piss one group or another off. Being only eight tracks, Orchestronic Abortion doesn't outstay its welcome in any way - but it is painfully one-note. I love everything about the sound, but there isn't anything actually special about the album as a whole. The subject matter is outrageous, but I've heard far worse. And any seasoned metal-head has run the gamut on bands like this long ago. So, yes, it comes off a little too much like a gimmick. I wanted to like it more, but I can't deny that what sets it apart is also what is setting Orchestonic Abortion back.

-KAMI THEE-


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