ATAUDES is a three-piece band hailing from Argentina and “Tempus Edax Rerum” is their sophomore album, released by the fine Spanish label Memento Mori. So this one piqued my interest right away. I remembered two or three Argentinian bands that I really liked back in the day and they always had something different or unique about them. Well, ATAUDES kicked me right in the head with a dose of dense and heavy Death Metal and an eerie ambience. It is curious that, after a bunch of spins, I still can pinpoint their influences. They have crafted a pretty characteristic style; almost too familiar. But their music encompasses a lot of different atmospheres and nuances, which is kind of weird since I am describing a Death Metal band’s album. And as stated above, the band is unique in their way of mixing all these influences into their songs. There is a lot of variation in the guitar / bass department with Ivo (guitar) and Jon (bass, also drums) make constant use of primal, yet huge open riffs, sophisticated tremolo melodies and ominous palm muted phrases to keep the listener focused and also wondering what is coming up next. Also Jon’s drum work covers mid tempos, slow passages, fast parts and even blurry moments with full on blast beats. And on top of that we have Cristian’s deep and gurgling vocals that feature some really detailed phrasing. “Tempus Edax Rerum” is definitely a coherent and solid collection of songs. The production fits perfectly. All instruments add up to form a massive wall of sound, without being overprocessed or way too loud. And even though I think the master is a little bricked for my taste, the dynamics find their way through the wall of sound. The mix is deliberately condensed, like a concrete block but every instrument has its own place and it is not murky or bleak. It works meticulously among ATAUDES’ approach. I had not listened to an album that made me wonder how Death Metal has evolved so much and yet, it keeps referencing the classic, so to speak, works that emerged in the late ’80s and early ’90s. And no, ATAUDES is not a copycat. They have their own identity and they are bringing their own twist to a tried and true sub genre of extreme music. And they have done just that in a great way. So, to sum it up, “Tempus Edax Rerum” is one Death Metal album you don’t want to miss. All about it is good and it excels in replay value. Do yourself a favor: pick up a copy now (and thank me later). Show some support to the band at www.facebook.com/ataudes-104621331216678 and get their album from their label www.facebook.com/memento.mori.label