At first I had a slight disappointment, since the totally Death Metal name and the incredible cover were put aside by the catchy intro with the melodic guitar leads. Thank God, this didn't last for long, since PATHS OF POSSESSION are not the typical melodic Death Metal band that you may come across every day. You must have already been attracted by someone in the line up.
The band was formed in 1999 by Butman, Fossen and MORBID ANGEL's ex guitarist Richard Brunelle. The band released its 2000 debut album Legacy In Ashes by itself, as well as a split CD with DARK FAITH, the first release that featured George Corpsegrinder Fisher on vocals. 2005 found the band releasing their debut album for Metal Blade with acclaimed producer Erik Rutan (CANNIBAL CORPSE, NILE, HATE ETERNAL) behind the console.
Two years later, the death metallers return with one more piece of melodic Death Metal, armed with enough heaviness to satisfy your Metal hunger. Do not expect something great or unique, just traditional Death Metal with some melodic Heavy Metal touches. PATHS OF POSSESSION are mostly based on the heavy and catchy guitar work, as well as on Fisher's fame as one of the best Death Metal singers out there. The lyrical concept of this album is about the surreal horrors that someone faces during war, death and the beyond that warps his very existence into a demigod-like awareness that may have the ability to consume life as we know it, as they say themselves. The mastering has been handled by the well-known Alan Douches (SEPULTURA, MASTODON, NILE, who has done a really good job.
To tell you the truth, I prefer Fisher with CANNIBAL CORPSE or MONSTROSITY, but I can't say that PATHS OF POSSESSION is a boring band. I just believe that their way of mixing melody with brutality has not been worked as much as it should be. They have some great ideas that are visible in this album and they can definitely achieve many things in the future. Until then, The End Of The Hour will make you spend approximately 47 minutes with some more than decent melodic Death Metal.
Tracklist:
Memory Burn The Ancient Law I Am Forever In Offering Of Spite Pushing Through The Pass Poisoned Promise Land Ash Is Falling Rain The End Of The Hour As Sanities Split Engulfing The Pure
Lineup:
George Corpsegrinder Fisher - Vocals Randy Butman - Bass, Backing Vocals Jay Fossen - Guitar Jack Goodwin - Guitar Nick Goodyear - Drums
&p[summary]=At first I had a slight disappointment, since the totally Death Metal name and the incredible cover were put aside by the catchy intro with the melodic guitar leads. Thank God, this didn't last for…(Click to read more)&p[url]=http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/reviews/cd_3/p_2/paths_of_possession.htm&p[images][0]=http://www.metal-temple.com/uploads/catalogues/paths_of_possession-the_end_of_the_hour.jpg){kind=link}