The rule of thumb regarding production is that if the listener doesn't think about it, it was well done. When the production overshadows the music then the music is compromised. This is true of big money production and backyard DIY projects.
Immortality Through Ashes does not suffer from over production. It sits at the other end of the spectrum. It's not unlistenable, unlike your best friend's garage rock band's demo, but features that muddy fuzz that marks low budget indie releases.
For a hardcore band the production woes aren't too disastrous. The guitars are already distorted and the vocals shouted or screamed. If the value of this cd was based on the sound, the production would be noticeable but not a major factor.
Unfortunately, Nightbreed does nothing for the genre. To be noticed in hardcore you need to be at least above par and Nightbreed fails to be better than average. They are like a cross between two old Solid State/Tooth and Nail bands, Warlord and Everdown, sans the spirituality. While both of those bands are enjoyable, Nightbreed feels too formulaic.
The album is kept at a brisk six tracks and keeps my attention for the duration. Any longer, though, and things would unravel quickly. Not a bad listen, per se, but not worth spending money on, either.
1.5/4
