As Memory Dies - Transmutate
1. Eyeway To Identity
2. Fifth Day Leviathan
3. A Season Of Failures
4. Distress In A Velvet Room
5. The Tragical History Of Doctor Faustas Part I
6. The Tragical History Of Doctor Faustas Part II
7. The Tragical History Of Doctor Faustas Part III
‘Transmutate’ is the debut album from melodic Italian metallers As Memory Dies. Formed in 2005, this album has been a long time in the making and this certainly comes across in the execution of ‘Transmutate’. It’s clearly a very well thought out package, at times evoking the idea of a concept album and crossing over from melodic metal into progressive hardcore. The gravel voice of singer Fabio Caruso evokes an early This Day Forward whilst the guitar parts are often more reminiscent of Spanish guitar music than the kind of distorted noise typical of metal. That is not to say that this album is anything less than heavy, it is just seriously anti-formulaic and As Memory Dies’ songs overflow with ambiance and reflection.
‘Transmutate’ culminates in a dramatic three act set with ‘The Tragical History of Doctor Faustas’ in parts one, two and three, the lyrics of which are derived from the famous play of the same name. The second act opens with the catchiest riff on the album and it’s a tough fight for stand out track between this and the ferocious and disordered energy of the album opener ‘Eyeway to Identity’.
As Memory Dies have a unique sound and have crafted an interesting take on melodic death metal with ‘Transmutate’. This isn’t the heaviest album you’re ever going to hear in terms of distorted guitars and insane tempo changes, instead it takes you on an intense journey through different layers of sound, with slow build ups leading into epic breakdowns. Transmutate is an album made up from start to finish of rises and falls with an omnipresence of reflexivity throughout. With so many facets to this band’s style, this album requires multiple listens to do it any kind of justice, and with each one it just keeps getting better.
Review by Vicky Miller
‘As Memory Dies - Transmutate’ is out now on via bands own distribution!
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