Genre: Experimental/Death Metal
Label: The Path Less Traveled
Date of Release: April 9, 2013
MULTI-DIMENSIONAL METAL
Blending a number of different genres of metal is easily a
hit-or-miss situation. The end result could either come out as a masterpiece of
musical genius, or it could sound unbelievably disjointed and unfocused. Venturing
into this dangerous realm is the Italian quintet Dementia Senex. Since 2008,
the group has had its sights set to deliver an experimental fusion of a small
range of different metal genres and subgenres to create some darkly diverse music.
It would now seem that they are well on their way of achieving mastery in their
formula, as proven by their second EP simply entitled “Heartworm.”
The musicianship and production are both elements that are
done well in this release. Starting off, the vocals mostly consist of tortured,
sludgy roars for an aggressive effect, and they definitely teem with energy. On
the other hand, the clean singing is deep and equally as raw, and has that doom
metal tone to it to give the music a resonant effect. The drumming, while not
showcasing too much notable prowess, is very hearty and resonant in how they
sound, giving the album some more atmosphere. However, out of all this, the
best aspect of musicianship that “Heartworm” displays is the guitar work. The album
delivers a fine sleuth of dark, punchy melodies and riffs throughout, and it is
mixed in a manner that allows for deeper atmosphere for the audience to be
vacuumed into. Also helping this atmosphere is the production and mixing, which
makes the instruments sound tight and crisp without sacrificing any of the music’s
resonance. Taking all these elements into account, the EP succeeds in the
musicianship as well as the sound production.
Along with the instrumentation, the music itself holds up
decently as well. “Heartworm” is a release composed of an experimental fusion
of death metal, progressive metal, doom metal, and even some hardcore and
sludge. This already makes way for an intriguing formula, and the way the music
touches these distinct genres without losing even an ounce of focus is a great
feature of the music’s structure. On top of that, this plan is executed quite
well in how dark but still rather explosive the musicianship can be. However,
while there is plenty to indulge in in this record, there is one but still
heavily damaging problem: The music tends to lose dynamicity. This shortcoming is
most prominent in the first track, although it still is worth listening to.
Sadly, even so, the music can turn flat at times and become a little
repetitive. Thankfully, though, while this is sort of distracting from full
enjoyment of the release, it doesn’t actually destroy anything. And in spite of
that flaw, the genre polymerization behind this album makes way for some
pleasurably dark and experimental metal.
“Heartworm” has proven to be a solid metal record packed
with potential. Everything in this album is carried out generally well, from
the musicianship down to the formula. The music itself is tightly played with
some slow ferocity, while allowing elbow room for atmosphere for it to make its
own sort of vast realm for the audience to enter. Even though it drags occasionally,
there is enough for this album to be recommended to anyone in search of experimental
and amalgamative metal, even if it’s not really for everyone in its sludgy,
dark tone. Overall, “Heartworm” is an enjoyable dose of metal, and at this
rate, it likely won’t be long until this band reaches greater heights of
brilliance.
Score: 8/10 (Great)