In the year 2005, the debut CD of this talented band found its way into my player and since the laser lens grasped the first tone, PERISHING MANKIND had won me over. This love at first touch is not admittedly true for the second release Wonderland.
This fact seems to have numerous reasons: primarily the surprising effect of a newcomer is gone, now I am really hard on the lady and the guys without mercy. ? Furthermore the path to Wonderland is not as direct as it used to be the case with Fall Of Men. This CD got less “single hits” than the predecessor, but in contrast it is more homogenous and the production’s quality increased. Unfortunately the clean vocals on respectively in Wonderland sound not for 100 % fully developed, sometimes charmingly a little bit aslope and out of tune. This detail can’t be judged objectively for sure, singer Holger does only make direct hits in my taste when chanting in aggressive, thrash-like manner – and this one the front man masters well. The guitar double Gernot and Georg is once again a store sign for PERISHING MANKIND. The melodic guitar harmonies are underlain by a rhythm fundament timbered by drummer Beate and bassist Paul. The songs are destined to transport sort of live feeling and the explosive mixture really functions optimally at concerts as proved for a few times. This easy traceable way of composing leaves some space for technical finesses anyway. In song 7, called Haunted, an unusual cumbersome structure appears, the bass takes on the lead (in melody) at times. This brings me to the production directly – all instruments are brought to bear on an equal footing. The Styrian group shows an epic side during the shortly eight minute long track False God, peppered with cool guitar leads and egregious vocal parts.
Little by little many positive aspects unfold and I feel good in Wonderland after a stony journey. PERISHING MANKIND gets the hang of composing demanding and at the same time catchy songs. They vary the speed just accurately timed, combined with accentuated and powerful drumming paired with adept bass play and fine elaborated guitar work three quarters of an hour of highly melodic Death Metal with thrashy coloration is completed. This Thrash influence is founded in the way Holger uses his vocal chords – and here I would work less with clear voice, but this is surely a matter of opinion.
After initial problems in habituation, Wonderland grows and prospers to a strong, well balanced album, regarding both music and production. In addition to that the cover artwork and the booklet are pleasing as well – and I can detect more and more details with every listening session. Consequently the band gets another brownie point concerning alternation. Lady and gentlemen, you are definitely on the right path, which will lead straight upwards with a copious tour! You will find the tour dates on the homepage, don’t miss these events!