The thing that bothered many people about this band's first album, Tears of a Leper, was an unfulfilled threat of really brutal music, and the disparity between music and vocal delivery. That album was often referred to as death metal, but the progressive thrash on it had little to do with that genre besides the vocals. So how does their latest effort compare?
Through the Reflection sees Lament distancing themselves from the attempts at speed and brutality and embracing a much more laidback, almost melancholy feeling to the music. Abel Gomez's singing is still heavy, but now has a slight hardcore sound and is closer to that of Ethereal Scourge, in comparison to the low end death grunt he employed on the previous album.
This change supports the shift in direction, as he can convey more emotion with the new style. In general, the songs consist of Gomez's screaming vocals over a backdrop of melodic bass lines woven through subdued distorted guitar rhythms with good drumming (including a lot of double bass). The guitar sound itself is still aggressive, but is mostly set back in the mix, which keeps it from dominating the sound. Scattered throughout are some loud guitars, solos, and numerous clean/acoustic guitar interludes.
Lament keep it from getting boring with plenty of time and tempo changes. The production is top notch, while remaining gritty enough to match well with the music.
Most of the lyrics are written by Gomez, and deal primarily with the hopeful expectation of leaving this pain-filled world for a heavenly destination where hate and pain do not dwell. A worthy subject indeed, and well fitting with the feeling of the music. Also present are three songs with lyrics written by non-band members. Two songs with lyrics by Charles Wilson are more poetic and both deal with the peace that God offers to the weary soul of this world, and one by Laurie Wilson incorporates some Spanish and speaks of the oppression and hopelessness that governs this world. The lyrics are generally well done and enhance the listening experience.
Fans of brutal death metal may be disappointed, and fans of Tears of a Leper, though they will recognize the band by their sound, will not get a continuation of that album. Lament have done some changing and, while there is still a larger than normal contrast between the vocals and the music, Through the Reflection is a much more cohesive album and an improvement overall.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #78Reviewed by Doug Van PeltThis trio of amigos de Mexico has returned with its second full-length album - Through The Reflection. Apparently, the band said, "Out with the thrash and in with the classic metal," cause this Chuck & Laurie Wilson production certainly captures that layered and distinct instrumentation that made the intro to Iron Maiden songs so fun to listen to. One ingredient the band kept in their recipe,…Art for the Ears 1999Reviewed by Marco PovervestThis band from Mexico was once known as Beheaded. I can't think of a name more unoriginal. In this world there have been many bands with such a name, over the years. Lament sounds way better. And the name fits with lyrics like: "In the reflection, all I can see is the vain face of loneliness. Hate reigns in my eyes. Fed by their anger." (The first verse of the titletrack). This sounds rather…Dead Zine 1999Reviewed by D_ListerBeautiful death metal. That's how I described Lament in the Linkage department based on their first album Tears of a Leper, and that description remains perfect after having heard Through the Reflection. So many of the key reasons I love Lament are still present here including a completely innovative style new to even their old album. Having dropped down to a three piece until drummer Abel Gomez…Dead Zine 1999Reviewed by GrindboyMy, what a lovely death metal band you're listening to! Ok, so maybe lovely isn't exactly the word to describe the latest Lament, but this is not your typical death. The first noticeable thing about this cd is that the bass is mixed VERY prominently. The next thing you'll notice is that the bass is carrying the melody about half of the time! This is one of the most unique effects I've heard in a…Similar sounding releases
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