Fucking hell, what an awesome comeback!
For a very long time DISBELIEF were circling on the fringes of the metal scene, making news with member and label changes, and the surprising “side job” of singer Karsten „Jagger“ Jäger behind the micro of Morgoth. I wouldn’t wonder if fans had already given up on them. But well, there is still brimming life in the old dog yet ;)
Yes, DISBELIEF is back, stronger than ever. Eight years after Protected Hell Germany’s most extreme Death Metal heavy weights return with Symbol Of Death, a title that is meant to be taken literally. Symbol Of Death is status, statement and the essence of a quarter century of band history.
On Symbol Of Death DISBELIEF go back to their roots, sound as they did during their very best times as on their sophomore Infected, for example, and play fully to all of their strengths: the irresistibly grooving and brutal mixture of Neurosis-tinged Sludge and Death Metal, the under the skin creeping intensity, the low-tuned guitars and the monster bass, the melancholically draped and mentally crushing melodies and last but not least, the nasty and rough voice and singing of Jagger. He whispers, growls and screams so relentless, sick and intense than never before.
For the recording sessions DISBELIEF used the duties of a new studio but it hasn’t affected the general sound of the band, which is as classic as a DISBELIEF sound can be, maybe just a bit nastier and more brutal.
The opening track, Full Of Terrors, lives up to its title - DISBELIEF get off the grid with sheer brutality. Pace remains moderate. It’s here and there when DISBELIEF speed up as in Embrace The Blaze, Rest In Peace and Evil Ghost. For the major part they destroy emotionally, deliver great vocal lines and backing vocals as in The Unsuspecting One and One By One, or shake the listener to the core much Neurosis-like with Shattered. Rest In Peace offers trumpets and marching drums supported by hymn-like rhythms and is only topped by the epic Nothing To Heal, my favorite on Symbol Of Death. The guys set high values on variety. Many elements and influences can be sensed out but Symbol Of Death gets dominated by a monster groove that kills your neck and let you raise your fists.
Though, despite all the euphoria, a certain sameness, especially in the second half of the record, and some lengthy repetitions bitter the pleasure a little bit. One or two songs could have been cut to make Symbol Of Death sounding more concise and focused (although I wouldn’t like to be the one choosing), but that’s quibbling on a high level.
Symbol Of Death is a strong and powerful comeback album. It’s a pleasure to listen to it again and again. Full rating straight from the heart and real 8.5 out of 10 to be a bit more objective.