Crushing death metal from the UK, Benediction play a death
metal remnant of classic Autopsy and Bolt Thrower. They released their debut in
1990 titled, “Subconscious Terror and would quickly release their follow up a
year later titled; “The Grand Leveler”.
The sound on the “The Grand Leveler” showcases the epitome
of what OSDM was all about at the time: one dimensional, gruff vocals with thick
and catchy riffs played over a hefty dose of pounding drums. The song writing
and structures of the songs here allow for the OSDM elements to be showcased adequately,
while also providing the proper medium to display some of the band’s more
technical traits as well. The album is steeped in a dissonant and hazy sound,
one that gives off an almost underground feeling to the music. However, this is
a byproduct of the excellent production, which creates such a gritty atmosphere
all the while, giving each musician their fair share of the limelight.
The guitars carry a simple sound, yet Peter Rew and Darren
Brookes do a wonderful job creating a number of well executed harmonies. The
leads on this album are numerous and have the ability to quickly captive the
listener attention. One listen to riffs on “Gravewurm” or “Senile Dementia”
give a perfect examples of the thick and distorted sound of the era, but they
are so much more than single note chugs that simply plod throughout the song.
Instead, the riffs, which by themselves are quite memorable tend to be broken
up by well-placed guitar fills. These fills, provide both an equally catchy display
of guitar work, but also serve as a nice alternating rhythm and pace that
prevents the songs from becoming redundant. There are also some short and almost
thrash like solos to be heard throughout as well, that go hand in hand with the
ferocity of the main riffs and up-tempo drum beats.
Speaking of drums, if I’m being honest, I would say that
they sound as though they are just a rise and repeat version of themselves on
most songs. Don’t get me wrong, their presence is more than felt throughout the
album, as they hammer away upon the listener each song. It’s just that, there
are not many uses of double bass kicks, nor much in the way of furious blast
beats that were all the rage at the time. Not that either are required for s successful
sound, but other than some snare blasting and cymbal pounding, the drums come
off as very one dimensional. That being said, what they lack in their addition to
the rhythm department, they more than make up in sheer force. As I mentioned, the
production of the album allows every instrument to come through on its own and
this holds true with the drums as their powerful sound, albeit lacking diversity,
is easily detected. The bass is another instrument to benefit more from the
production rather than songwriting. For the most part, the bass can be heard
plucking along with the guitars, but they don’t really mix things up too often,
but again the production brings them into the light, allowing their thick and
bouncy sound to help compliment the leads.
The vocals here are dark, deep and gruff. They bring a no nonsense
attitude to the table that really bring the sound of the entire album together.
Dave Ingram’s voice carries a certain raspy, bleakness that make them sound almost
like elongated growls. They truly are scary in nature, which fits perfectly
with the OSDM sound. Like everything else, the production puts Ingram’s vocals
center stage, which keeps the listener engaged as they are heard over top the
many riffs and melodies the “The Grand Leveler” has to offer.
If you are looking for a prime example of what OSDM can accomplish
with a simplistic concept, strong song writing and competent musician, then
look no further than “The Grand Leveler” Benediction shows just how far the
basic elements can take an album and that not all death metal needs to be
overly complex or a mind altering experience to be enjoyed. Aside from a few
minor quips with the drums and bass, this is a fine showing of OSDM done right
and any fan of the sound will not be disappointed.
Highlights: “Gravewurm” “Senile Dementia” “Opulence of the
Absolute”
Rating: 4
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