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The Breathing Process: Odyssey (Un)Dead Death Metal, Symphonic Black Metal Candlelight Records, Siege Of Amida Records March 9th, 2010
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Review
Odyssey (Un)Dead is the expected second full-length release by the Symphonic Blackened Death Metal act The Breathing Process. By expected, it means that this release is what you would expect from the band after their surprising debut album In Waking: Divinity. While the debut was met with mixed emotions between fans, it's clear that on this release the band has matured the sound to a much tighter and solid composition that is more pleasing on the ears of the listener. The music on Odyssey (Un)Dead is very well constructed and gives off a very gothic feel to it thanks to the keyboards sometimes, such as on the main openning track "Grimoire", which really just sets the mood for the rest of the album until the title track "Odyssey (un)Dead". The title track is really the first to change the formula of the release, by having some lighter, haunting music going on in with clean singing female vocals at times instead of the gutteral vocals. The real shining aspect of the album, however, is not in the keyboards but rather the guitars that compliment them so well. After that track, the songs that follow vary from each other, and sometimes can sound almost as if the band is experimenting with their sound. While much of the album doesn't change from "Grimoire" until the title track, that does not mean it's all repetative. That just means the band has consistancy and manages to carry a specific sound through the album. If this were to stop at "Odyssey (Un)Dead" it would be a real stand out album that must be heard. But, of course, that's not the case. As the remainder continues, you'll start to hit some of the more experimental filler tracks. "Metamorphosis", for example, takes you back to the band's Metalcore roots with the way the music is performed. And then there is "Hordes" which features some absolutely amazing riffs and keyboards that sadly shine amidst a track that feels drawn out and quickly grows boring thanks to the slowly music that draws the song forward against it's will, and concludes with sounds that bleed into "The Living Forest". Another aspect you will notice is that the keyboards at this part of the album seem to be performed quicker at times, almost becoming jumbled when the higher pitched sound effect is utilized. It's clear that The Breathing Process are a band with great potential. Odyssey (Un)Dead is an amazing album that pays homage to bands like Emperor very well, and seemlessly incorporate a nice Death Metal touch through vocals and intense music. Every instrument is played to perfection on here, from simple to complex heavy guitars, keyboards that work well with the music a good majority of the time, and drumming that goes all over the scales throughout the CD, and are as intense as the vocals performed. If there were one band to start keeping an eye on this year for great things, it is clearly The Breathing Process.
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