Originally written by Ryan Plunkett
If Morbid Angel and Carcass made a baby that became interested in symphonic black metal, I think it would sound something like Golem. Golem arrives releasing their latest album, Dreamweaver. Right now I’m sure you’re thinking, “oh boy, what band doesn’t sound like goddamn Morbid Angel and Carcass?” Moreover, you have every right to, because a shit load of them do, but with the twist that Golem throws into their music it actually creates a rather refreshing sound. At times, I think almost too refreshing for their own good, as things can get rather spastic. Not in a good Dillinger Escape Plan type way either.
Golem excels in the musicianship factor of things as all four members obviously know what they’re doing when it comes to playing, but as far as writing songs goes, I think they need to take a bit of a different approach. Sure you can call their flavor of song writing avantgarde, but are riffs that truly pop out of nowhere with no rhyme or reason, avantgarde or just plain pointless. This arises in songs like “Diaspora.” The intro riff is killer. It is melodic, catchy, and metal as hell and why wouldn’t they want to use it again in the song? The problem is finding a transition into using it again when they transition into their more Morbid Angel, faster-Carcass sound. It shoots back in right after a solo and just sounds forced, out of place, and who knows what else. This problem can be found in the album from time to time. Even in the last song, “Le Sacre du Printemps.” A musical track that goes from battle music, to progressive, to Nintendo music, all within itself. Now it sounds cool, but sometimes it just doesn’t feel quite like a full song. Outside of this problem, Golem displays some crushing riffs that are sure to get your blood pumping, as well as a nice touch of melody found in the keys and guitars that adds depth to the music and makes sure it never gets monotonous. The vocals will quickly have you thinking of Carcass and are quite solid.
Finding a nice mix of old-school death, a tad of grind, and a nice touch of black metal and symphonies, Golem does provide a recipe for something interesting and delivers for the most part. I have to say I found the album enjoyable, not amazing by any means, but I would definitely say this is worth checking out.
