Depresy

A Grand Magnificence

(c)(p)1998 Shindy Productions / Immortal Souls Productions

Review by Richard Stuart

Depresy are from Slovakia and they play melodic death metal which is vaguely similar to Septic Flesh -- with (mostly) deep gutteral vocals, heavy yet melodic guitarwork and professional usage of keyboard. There are often several tempo changes in the songs, and the fluidity of the band's performances means the songs don't fall apart or make you lose interest.

"Try Not To Breathe" (not overly healthy advice!) is a re-recorded version of one of Depresy's older songs (which was included on a compilation called "Death Metal Made In Slovakia"), and tracks 5-12 are from their demo "And There Came The Tears With Christ" (re-mastered). When you also consider that "An Elder Spirit's Reincarnation" is a cover version of a Hypocrisy song, you realise that technically only the first 2 tracks are actually new material. However, despite the lengthy playing time, this release only costs the price of an MCD, and if you haven't heard any of the band's material beforehand anyway then it's just like a proper full length album.

The band have clearly progressed since their demo, but the bonus tracks are still certainly worthy listening, with "Magic Of Eternal Dreaming" being a highlight for me with it's catchy lead guitar line with a folk style tail on the end. Songs like "Kisses Of Suffering" also show the diversity of the band, with it's melancholy, doomy vibe. The new songs are basically in the same style, only slightly more mature and confident sounding, and Depresy's full length album (planned for release in Autumn 1998) will be something to look out for. Promising stuff.

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