"Don’t judge a book by its cover." It’s an annoying old saying that many of us refuse to believe is true. And in this case, I refer more to stereotypes and unproven notions rather than the actual album cover itself. Although I refuse to dabble in the soft world that is MySpace, I was referred to Terminally Your Aborted Ghost’s (TYAG) MySpace page by a friend who enjoys the frilly and self-serving nature of the site. Initially, I was immediately annoyed by this idea. As a more seasoned member of the death metal world, I am easily frustrated by these pretentious MySpace era death metal bands that contain high school kids that make a mockery of brutal death metal and are concerned more with being an "outsider" than how the music will actually sound. I know such comments sting like dipping your jock-itch ridden nuts (more commonly known as Athlete’s Balls) in a bowl of salt to those who frequent the site and those bands guilty of such blasphemy. But, I am an old guy in the scene and you know how old people are - stubborn in their ways. But, here’s another tired, old saying - an old dog can learn new tricks. Let me explain…

I was not impressed by TYAG’s music on the MySpace page, especially since I had to listen to the music while examining the "Friends" area, with pictures of people who mysteriously include pictures of themselves with their tattoos exposed, as if the pictures "just came out that way." After leaving this surreal world, I felt like I had to raise my right hand with my index and pinky fingers protruding and I felt like quite the asshole. I guess I had seen so many people on this page that were so overwhelmingly "metal" I had to make this ridiculous sign with my hand. Leaving my stereotypes at the keyboard, I decided to give the disc a shot, especially since it was on Macabre Mementos label. How bad could it be?

Actually, this disc is pretty decent. I am also allowing a little leeway for a debut release, with eventual hopes for maturity and a greater focus. TYAG, for the most part, play a style of death metal that is exactly what you would think would be on the Macabre Mementos label. It’s brutal death metal, with plenty of Devourment style riffs, a beefy sound, and gurgled vocals. In addition to this, TYAG throw in various elements into their songs, including Converge style riffs, clean stoner parts, melodic chord progressions, just to name a few. TYAG remind me of a heavier version of the Canadian band Dichotic or the American band Bound and Gagged. TYAG can, in a single song, range from slamming pit riffs, to slap-bass funk death metal style, to flat out grind. Its an odd mix, but most of the time, it’s pretty effective. For example, track 4 goes from a slow, mosh part to gurgling while the drummer whacking a cowbell. Later in the song, the band breaks into Converge-esque melodic yet droning section followed by a shredded black metal section with screamed vocals. This is one of the more extreme tracks on the disc but most of the songs follow this system of random parts.

My only gripe with the album is the actual musicianship itself. At first, I thought this disc may be the victim of poor production. After a few listens, I realized that the musicianship left a little to be desired. Some of the "riff salad" and "random influence" sections of the songs are inventive but frequently seem a little forced and out of place. In addition, some of the riffs are sloppily played, especially the ones that require some shredding or quick single notes. The drumming leaves a little bit to be desired as well.

Before you go around screaming how my gripes with this band stem from my love of pure, brutal death metal, let me put your mind at ease. Earlier in the review, I stated that I gave the band a little leeway because this is their debut release. In addition, I think these guys are young. This release is a great start for the band, and for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed the songs, especially the sections of mosh madness. With a little more practice and a bit more focus in terms of style and riff selection/progression, this band will be quite a force.

Written By: Double Ds