What is it about metal demos that always intrigue me? I suppose
it is the potential of discovering a band that never gotten their chance to
spread their wings and find their own brand of success. Or perhaps, it’s the allure
of the hearing music that perhaps only a handful of other people can attest to
hearing. Whatever the case may be, I have made it a point to listen to demos
whenever I get a chance. I do so mainly with bands that either only ever released
such material, but I also search for established bands’ earlier material as well.
In my quest, I have stumbled across many bands that have put out demos that
have gained high praise. Some, are even considered essential listening or near
masterpieces. Conversely, I have also discovered others, that seemingly no one
knows they exist. Sturdy Taste happens to be one such band that dwell in
obscurity.
Sturdy Taste is a three-piece outfit from Austria that play
a brand of old school death metal that fans of Obituary and Death would appreciate.
Their lone demo “Lovely Presentation” is an aptly named release, as it is
exactly what the demo displays.
The first thing I notice about demos are their production
value. Now, to be honest, I don’t understand the process of how production
works on demos compare to Eps compared to full lengths, but I generally assume that
a demos’ production will be less superior than a studio release. But, that is
not always the case. I’ve heard demos that, other than knowing they were demos,
would have convinced me that they were studio albums. This is the case on “Lovely
Presentation” as in my opinion, the production is spot on. The overall tone is very
grimy, yet crisp as the atmosphere of the music is set in a murky sound. In addition,
each instrument is clearly audible and is never overshadowed by one or the
other. (Although “Perish Now” appears to suffer a little from the production,
it’s only in comparison to the other three.)
At times, the guitars on “Lovely Presentation” produce some thick,
yet groovy riffs accustomed to the OSDM sound. However, other times they also
play catchy, almost melodic rhythms that offer nice variation to the sound, preventing
any of the four tracks from becoming stagnate. The drums pound away, creating a
nice layer of violence, that although may not sound very unique in comparison
to the other OSDM acts at the time, their presence is no less important in
creating the thick and murky atmosphere of album. The bass was a nice surprise
to hear, as it is one instrument, that I expect may miss the cut sound wise on
a demo, but it’s there. It has a very crunchy sound that helps accentuate the
guitars and plays nicely in the background throughout. Michael Dietrich’s low
and raspy vocals, remind me very much of John Tardy with just a hint of Chuck
Schuldiner.
The influence of both Obituary and Death is easily heard within
both the music and vocals on “Lovely Presentation”, but there is nothing wrong
with playing a little sound worship, so as long as you do it well. Sturdy Taste
does just that and “Lovely Presentation” has secured a spot in my “Gems of
Metal Demos” club. This demo like so many others, tragically failed to gain any
traction, but thanks to the internet, their contributions are not forgotten.
Highlights: “Lovely Presentation” “Unforgettable Punishment”
“Braggart”
Rating: 4
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