Album Review: Afterbirth – In But Not Of
Reviewed by Dan Phipps
Following the bands reformation a decade ago which lead to the bands first two full lengths some fourteen years after the release of their 1993 rehearsal tape, Afterbirth have returned with a follow up to the critically acclaimed Four Dimensional Flesh titled In But Not Of. The bands line up remains unchanged with the only real difference has seen them move from one powerhouse label to another as the band are now part of the Willowtip roster.
Where to start because this one is crazy in the best possible way. Afterbirth are well renowned for their approach to the combination of brutal death metal and progressive metal you could easily say that the bands legacy has really helped the genre evolve into what it is today with the combination of pure force and intricate creative song writing. In But Not Of just steamrolls through right from its opening track a superbly crafted sub two minute affair which is just the beginning of your journey with this record. Original members David Case (Bass), Cody Drasser (Guitar) and Keith Harris (Drums/Percussion) craft some of the most interesting musical creations you will find in death metal as they twist and turn musically through a variety of themes within the run length of the record. The important part is that this creation does not feel like it's forced together, it doesn't feel as if Afterbirth have simply made something fit, it just works so well together and meshes beautifully.
Not only do the songs effortlessly work, the overall sound of the record is fantastic. Each part is easily audible, from the pounding of the drums, the crunch of the guitars and the bounce and punch of the bass, in between the flat out heaviness thought to the eerie melodies used they sit right in your ears for you to hear and that really gives In But Not Of its identity. Topping off the musical journey is Will Smith and his putrid display of guttural vocals. If you were not already aware of Afterbirth you may not feel that jazzy avant garde death metal and guttural vocals would work together but believe me it does, and it's the band's understanding of how to combine brutality with artistic flare which makes this happen.
All I can really say to sum this record up is that if you want both audio bliss and devastation in a single sitting then Afterbirth will meet these expectations, then shove them out of the way. To put it simply, In But Not Of is a stunning showcase of just how exceptional death metal is as a genre, not many bands can do what Afterbirth do and this new collection of songs is simply an amazing musical journey.
