Alchemy Of Flesh – Ageless Abominations
Release Date: 13th August 2021
Label: Redefining Darkness Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Metal
FFO: Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse, Vital Remains, Torture Killer.
Review By: Ian Sky
Voir dire: Wow! Okay… understanding that I am hereabouts stating my opinion as fact, I can say irrefutably that Tim Rowland really, really fucking loves Morbid Angel and I would not be surprised in the least if he has an Altars Of Madness tattoo!
Opening statements: If I’m being honest, part of me wants to believe that this album was recorded decades ago in Tampa, Florida. With this debut album Alchemy Of Flesh displays some incredibly solid Death Metal and if this isn’t an audition tape for any one of the traditional American Death Metal bands, it well fucking could be! Furthering such an assessment is the fact that 100% of the music, both writing and performing, and the production on Ageless Abominations is the work of Tim Rowland, the band’s sole member. In fact, with the exception of the drums (only because electronic drums will never sound quite the same) this is just about as bang on as gets for the sound and feel of Death Metal. However the album feels more as if it wants to be a cover album. Particularly in the select parts where the music so closely emulates the source of it’s inspiration.
Cross examination: As a result of its incredibly distinct and similar sound with early-90’s Death Metal, it took me a minute to get into this album. Throughout the first few tracks I just wanted to switch over to Blessed Are The Sick or Domination being that the sound of Ageless Abominations (as previously stated) is so heavily reminiscent of Morbid Angel. But in all seriousness, the album has a solid flow all of its own. Tim Rowland clearly had a plan for the release and followed it through precisely. The music is as tight, well performed and methodical as it should be, seeing as how he is clearly an apt musician and didn’t have to communicate his ideas to anyone. Anything less than what this album delivers would’ve been a disappointment.
Closing arguments: Even in light of the fact that Ageless Abominations perfectly fits its particular brand of Death Metal, there’s nothing especially inventive throughout the duration of each song. So while no fault can be found in the homage it pays to the legendary Tampa Death scene, one more push over the creative and stylistic edges would have made it something truly phenomenal. And I do believe that this specific flavor of Death Metal shouldn’t have electronic drums. Pete Sandoval didn’t get to be Pete Sandoval because of e-drums and triggers, ya know?
Verdict: It would be more than fair to say that Ageless Abominations is a proficiently written and executed piece of work. Tim Rowland has provided every diehard fan of American Death Metal another tasty sample for their collection. However, it would only be to the band’s benefit to bring in at least one more person, in the interest of adding a new dimension of creativity, if not in a full-time aspect then at least as a guest performer. Otherwise, I fear that Alchemy Of Flesh will continue to sound more like they are only paying tribute to Death Metal rather than contributing to it.
(3 / 5)
