„Let the music do the talking“ is what UNDERTOW point out in their latest info sheet and would like to prove that you don’t need a great band info or band shots in order to present great music. And that’s what they definitely do, although we may argue if the rest is relevant too or not (what if the reviewer does not know the band, like in this review?!?)
The cryptic title 34CE (Threeforce) already masks the essence of this German trio – music without much aid, but with lots of soul. Doom Metal describes their style only inadequate, perhaps you could call the band “the impersonation of depressive metal”? I’m not quite sure, but one thing’s stands firm: with their “punk-line-up” UNDERTOW nevertheless are more profound than various 6-man-combos around und know how to cast a spell over the listener. Insofar very interesting, since you find weak points in their songs every now and then, yet this doesn’t stop me from letting the CD rotate in my player again and again. Seemingly a certain portion of weakness belongs to the aura of UNDERTOW and therefore makes the band even more likeable. Astonishing indeed the voice of singer Joachim Baschin, who enables the right underground-feeling by singing with his gravelly and smoky voice. Tracks like 34CE or Genderation are simply based on his voice which is far away from being perfect, but let you feel even more emotion. However, in spite of all the praise, 34CE is not a flawless victory. Although most of the tracks carry you along, the material is pulled under by the disappointing and unfitting thrash-songs w.o.t. and Flashover, which do not fit into the rest of the CD and make me think of stalling, especially since their quality sucks. It’s a pity somehow, this should not have happened!
Nevertheless I’d like to speak out a recommendation to all fans of bands like Neurosis, Prong or the earlier Life of Agony.

PS: Ignore the deterring cover ;)

Undertow