DESPONDENCY „Exposing Misery’s Design””

Music: Gore Grind/Death Metal
Country: USA
Web site: www.myspace.com/despondency666
Cool Songs: 1300, On Blackened Tooth

Not to be confused with the German band or the Lousiana band by the same name, California’s DESPONDENCY plays a no frills brand of gory, death metal. They really have a style of their own, but if comparisons are called for, one could equate the sound as part MORTICIAN and part early CARCASS. The guitars are heavily distorted in the fashion of MORTICIAN, although slightly cleaner. The vocals and overall style are reminiscent of CARCASS. Vocalist Jesse Parliman alternates between rapid, deep vociferations and higher, half-shrieks. Some vocal lines are easier to follow than others, especially the slower parts.

Some of the positive aspects of the album include the cutting, barb wire guitar sound, a great production (baring the Live Bootleg material) and above all, the drumming. The drumming is the first thing that really stands out. “1300” begins with sliding, fuzzy guitar riffs that rapidly change into quick, rolling blast beats and swift guitar slides.

The production allows for each instrumental to come through clearly, putting a spotlight on the guitar and drums and not leaving mucky stains on the listener’s ears. While these things work well for the album, there really isn’t a whole lot to get excited about. The drums are top notch, but the group fails to write songs that stuck in my mind. They show moments of brilliance and definitely have talent, but the song writing doesn't elevate them above the millions of gore-stained bands across the U.S.

note: 5/10

Tracklist

1. Intro
2. 1300
3. On Blackened Tooth
4. Dig
5. In A World Of Technology
6. Worthless
7. Suicidal Slut (Live Bootleg)
8. On Blackened Tooth (Live Bootleg)
Total playing time 19:35

Line-up

Jesse Parliman – Vocals
Shawn Shannon – Bass
Kelley “Beef” O'Rafferty – Guitars
Roel Guajardo – Drums