Originally written by Jordan Campbell
Fleshgod Apocalypse proposed the hypothesis, and Beneath the Massacre has proven the theory: modernized, uber-brutal, ProTooled death metal bands absolutely shine in the EP format. The brevity not only maximizes the impact, it assures that these purveyors of punishment will not overstay their welcome.
Beneath the Massacre utilized the format to perfection on their four-track debut, Evidence of Iniquity, which cemented the band as one to watch, even in the crowded Quebec / Galy Records pack. However, the dual full-lengths that followed fell flat; they were one-dimensional, over-processed, and unrelenting to a fault. Bottom line: you just can’t weather an attack this suffocating for thirty-five minutes–it’s an unwelcome endurance challenge. But the thirteen blistering ticks of Maree Noire? Perfect.
In a timed burst such as this, one can look at Beneath the Massacre‘s attack for what it is: an over-the-top adrenaline rush. They aren’t writing songs, anthems, or albums–they’re putting out soundtracks to mosh-pit montages. No one does the pristine, teched-out, borderline deathcore thing better than Beneath the Massacre, so look no further for ultra-precise heaviness.
While the band may be pulling the CNN Metal card here, attempting to trigger some profound wave of heightened awareness (Oil spill = bad!), that’s not why Maree Noire deserves some serious top-volume sessions. This thing is rife with computerized sweeps, rich gutturals, and wreckingball bottom end. Maree Noire is thirteen minutes of digitized bliss; a perfect slice of cold, crippling brutality. Simply put, it crushes.
Dive in.
