Aborted | ‘Slaughter And Apparatus’

Aborted have been consistent in upping the ante on the original Carcass blueprint for several years, with each release bringing them a corresponding rise in profile. But the pressure to diversify must surely have made itself felt this time round. It just isn’t good enough to rip off the Liverpudlians any more (if indeed it ever was), and as such, Aborted have unleashed an arsenal of tricks to make sure this new one has more clout than the usual half as enjoyable tribute bands. Their riffing has always been tight, that’s for sure. In ratchetting up the speed for this latest outing, they’ve maintained their high standard admirably, and have certainly increased the baseline heaviness of their music twofold into the bargain. But as deft as it is, and with sensible nods to good songwriting in the form of moody wailing guitar lines, numerous vocal styles and a walloping production, something about it all still seems a little vague. Odd really, considering that if it were taken as the sum of its constituent parts it should be lethal. But it just fails to gel into an album of real intent, for a reason that is very difficult to put one’s finger on. There are utterly savage moments, like ‘The Spaying Séance’ with its hyper speed and breakneck riffing. ‘An Odious Emanation’ is equally interesting, and guest vocals from the inevitable Jeff Walker do spice things up too. A few unlikely similarities to modern Deicide confirm this bands stature as a death metal act of assured capability. But though intense and momentarily brilliant, as a full piece, its too long and a little directionless - strangely, and frustratingly, unsatisfying.

3.5 / 5 - Ciaran Tracey ::: 27/02/07