Massacre Records (2012)
Portuguese progressive death metal here on this second album for Disaffected- a group who originally disbanded in the late 90’s only to reunite in 2006, taking their time in preparation for this “Rebirth”. The debut album “Vast” featured a much more straightforward sound, probably getting lost for its spacey keyboards and atmosphere at a time when American brutality or the Gothenburg melodic death acts ruled the scene. Of the 11 tracks on this sophomore outing, 5 of them clock in over the 7 minute mark- so prepare your ears and mind for a multitude of sounds that may not gain instant retention.
Sergio Paulo not only commands the electric guitar show, but also throws in some French horn and flute parts- allowing Disaffected to be resolute in their uniqueness. Vocalist Jose Costa growls with the best death singers going today- and intertwines this with a spoken word voice reminiscent of the mighty Voi Vod. Bassist Antonio Giao plays as prominent a role in the sound of the quintet as any other instrument- his fingers flying at the forefront to aid the fluid technique a la Geddy Lee or Steve Harris. Drummer Octavio Custodio floats effortlessly between the faster, conventional death grooves and the more open-ended snare/ tom hits. The icing on top of this aural cake comes in keyboardist Rodrigo Domingues, who gains favor in the short instrumental “Miracle Dance” and offers these bursts of sonic evenness throughout.
Favorites shuffle from week to week after the numerous passes, but the carousel / carnival theme that appears as a wild transitional riff during the 8:18 “Getting Into The Labyrinth” (along with the female siren background vocals from Celia Ramos) and the snappy bass work that is alternative and funky against a brooding riff landscape for “Evilution Within” get two hearty thumbs up from this journalist. Avant garde in the best way, Disaffected will attain dedicated people to their cause- even if it’s only a small trickle at a time.
www.facebook.com/disaffectedmetal
www.massacre-records.com
Rating: 4.5 / 6
Composed by Matt Coe