BENEATH THE MASSACRE
Incongruous
[Prosthetic Records]
Verdict: 6.5/10
RIYL: Technical death metal

BENEATH THE MASSACRE is here to play their damn instruments. These Quebecois have presented some of the most impressive musical displays you are likely to hear all year. Each of these eleven tracks features neck-snapping guitar work and drumming that makes the listener sorry for the drummer. The album is also overbearingly heavy, with enough chugging to slightly separate each of the fret fireworks. The problem with Incongruous is the problem that pervades all technical death metal. Since each song is played at maximum speed and volume, sometimes songwriting is sacrificed for the sake of technical proficiency. While bands like OBSCURA and SPAWN OF POSSESSION are masters at technicality and songwriting, bands like BRAIN DRILL feature unnecessary wankery. Luckily for the listener, BENEATH THE MASSACRE falls somewhere in between the two extremes. There are a number of tracks that have some minor semblance of melody, which help tie the songs together. Mostly, however, the band falls trap to the desire to sound as technical as possible. The good thing about that fact is that while it doesn’t have the lasting impression, Incongruous is a lot of fun while it plays. The band certainly can improve on future albums, but for fans of tech-death, this will be an album of the year candidate. For those who like a little more from their metal than endless riffs and wankery, there is still enjoyment to be had. – by Nicholas Senior

Recommended Listening: “Unheard” and “Symptoms”
Release Date: February 14th, 2012
In Conclusion: Fans of tech-death will drool all over themselves while listening to this album, but those who like a little more from their metal will find it lacks a lasting impression.