To Rot In A Honeybeam
(Great Dane Records)
41:12min
CALCINED from Switzerland was formed back in 2008. Their debut demo, “4th Degree Burns”, was released in 2009 and followed on by an EP and split. These Swiss maniacs didn’t rest for long and delivered their impressive debut full-length “Tormenting Attractions” in 2015, followed up by “Discipline” in 2018. They rapidly developed their sound by playing crushing traditional Death Metal with a few twists to the formula. Then the band took some time off and now returned with their third full-length in a row, “To Rot In A Honeybeam”. Their earlier records remind of the early ATROCITY, KATAKLYSM (especially the “Sorcery” album), and traces of GRAVE and OBITUARY. However, in this record, their guitar tone didn’t only feel crunchy, but was sometimes insanely muddy, crushing groovy into seriously slaying transitions with a few Grindcore elements thrown expertly. Jaak handled the lead like a force and showed his skill in playing bewildering, but catchy riffs that are precise and impactful. Also, these guys have a good knack for quality songwriting, knowing when to up the intensity and when to brake. As evident from the beginner with ‘Poaching Among The Starry Fields’, ‘Autolysis’ and ‘Scourge Cloud’. Interestingly, the band enveloped some hidden agendas through the title and song naming. The album title puzzled me, especially what the band meant by ‘Honeybeam’! I had to search for the meaning to get, ‘it’s a way to say goodnight to the people you love, instead of a dry ass “goodnight”! Possibly, the band had a humorous take for all, but who knows! It sounds darn odd, and nine compositions of this record give away that feeling. As comes in names like ‘Poaching Among The Starry Fields, ‘Hic Sunt Dracones’, ‘Ashen Flowers’ and ‘I Pity The Strong’, which are enough to pause for a moment and try to fathom the meanings behind. However, the intensely butchering and chaotic compositions won’t let you find them easily. The drumming by Lionel, which is precise like an AK-47 and sheer brutal to rattle any ear and head. Besides that, vocalist Magnus delivered his very deep growling style like before, but here he also showed his capability of rapid switching to the mid-range grinding tone of Mark “Barney” Greenway or Tardy. What’s added to this record is that it gets more chaotic with occasional shouting like mad Punks yelling in a protest. Magnus is a great talent. Although he roared like an ancient beast, sometimes it felt like half of his throat was ripped, and he ran amok in terrible suffering. Also, their style of dual vocal attack by Magnus on lead and Piffeux as backing continued here like in past releases. And both destroyed again with their jaw-dropping throat maneuverings and gut strengths. Their approaches blended finely with the overall sound and delivered a very deadly and grinding sound that leaves nothing to be desired. The production is powerful and well balanced but not typical modern. The mix is clear with a deep bass sound and captured a strong output that gave each instrument enough room to express without sacrificing any details. Rounded off by a menacing cover artwork by Kevin Jacot in “To Rot In A Honeybeam” CALCINED further strengthened in playing Death Metal, which is ruthless and maddening. It’s worthy of many spins and obviously poised for good followings ahead. Find out more on the band and label at www.facebook.com/calcined or www.facebook.com/greatdanerecords.
Randolph Whateley