Album Review: Cancer Void - First Metastasis
Reviewed by Sam Jones
Some things come in small sizes, however their minute scope doesn’t detract the quality they may possess; such is the case with rising act Cancer Void, along with their debut mini-album First Metastasis. Described as some putrid force set loose upon the Earth, Cancer Void’s sound is characterised by foul guitars, gargantuan drums though packing tempo that’s hardly predictable. There may be just six tracks contained within but that just means the band can squeeze in more cacophonous joy. A joint record label release, First Metastasis shall be distributed through Me Saco Un Ojo Records and Iron Fortress; the former handling the vinyl release, the latter the cassette version. With just twenty minutes to get us on board let’s see how fruitful Cancer Void’s efforts end up as. First Metastasis is due out August 1st.
With a small introduction in tow this mini-album only gives us five full length tracks, now for a full-fledged record that’d be interesting but in this case Cancer Void have made it clear this is merely a taster of what’s to come. They’ve deliberately made sure we haven’tbeen given a full course to enjoy just yet, it may only be a Starter but there’s plenty to keep us satisfied and our mouths watering for. Whilst First Metastasis is a work of death metal its amazing as to how focused and laser-targeted the band feel to be across this record, for even their fastest moments have this tightly-bound link to the earth. Therefore, even as their ferocity climbs you’ll always have a strong grasp on where they’re taking you but also of where you’ve been. It enables you to appreciate the track as a full work, taking notes of the more nuanced, cerebral element that oozes and bleeds throughout their songwriting.
I think this grounded sensibility emanates from their approach to riffs. Paying attention reveals the band’s tendency for steady but crunching guitar work that dips and rises, bringing the momentum up then back down again. On the whole the tempo and pacing may not wildly alternate but there’s enough to give this record an identity, one where the killing made by the band isn’t in blood-crazed frenzy but through calculated and cold plotting. In addition, the guitar work plays with gorgeously defined sheen; the controlled pace the band perform with ensure we see far more than just the semblance of the axe coming down on us; you’ll see and feel the axe climbing, hands gripped in pleasure, the blade gleaming in the sun then hanging there with dreadful anticipation, before the blow is finally made. It crafts a truly deliciously volatile soundscape where you’re pulled straight in with the riffs, with every turn and cold lick thrown at you. Once you’re on board you’ll find yourself pulled into a synergy along with the guitar work, bouncing, headbanging, borne upon the band’s ripping gait. The moment this comes into effect, you know Cancer Void have you in their palms.
I respect the choice to still include a designated interlude before the record’s third act; the band could have just forgone this option in favour of a regular song, but placing an interlude here prepares us for the band’s outro herein as well as demonstrates the belief and confidence instilled into such a work. Though this is only a small release by the band signifying greater things to come, Cancer Voidhave put in celebratory effort in making this mini-record as worthy of your time as possible. The production value on this work is also excellent, by the record’s end you’ll beg for more, thinking that that surely wasn’t it, was it? The production on this work is better than a plethora of similar-sounding pieces I've covered, namely because Cancer Void really went that extra step, enabling us to stew wholeheartedly in the putrid miasma this soundscape establishes. Rather than close in their sound to craft that immersive, noxious environment, Cancer Void contrarily open all the doors and windows in their abode, the sound escapes but their aggression never dissipates. As a result, their performance feels grander precisely because they aren’t forcefully pressing it down. The freedom provided to their songwriting allows everything and everyone to breathe, thus injecting life and an organic strength to their performance that isn’t being otherwise strangled.
In conclusion, if this is what Cancer Void are just starting out with then they are a band who need to be keenly watched in the coming years. I was absolutely gasping towards the end for more yet after six tracks Cancer Void really were through with First Metastasis, after only twenty minutes of undiluted, awesome carnage. First Metastasis is a mini-record that almost knows its small, it knows and understands its merely the opening salvo towards a band’s more elaborate discography yet pulls out all the stops to dictate, yes, this is just the beginning, but the very beginning of a band’s career need not be ignored in the run-up to their full releases. Its been some time since i encountered a young band with their earliest material feel this hungry for success or renown. Death metal acts are easy to come by these days but its in implanting their talents upon the metal consciousness that proves the mountainous climb in today’s music climate. Cancer Void already appear poised for such an ascent and if First Metastasis is any indication of what’s to come then sign me up because i am thoroughly on board. Its this vast, wide-open expanse that still keeps you feet embedded within the earth at everyturn, dancing with murderous abandon, all the while its gaze never falters from its target. Exceptional work.
