Transhumanz Records (2012)
 
Lamera is a "cosmopolitan modern death metal band", whatever that is (note to self: its probably this band…), and although "Mechanically Separated" is album number two, the first album was not released and distributed by a professional label. So, its kind of a debut album after all. The members are from both Europe and USA, the band was founded in 2004, and they are booked to play big festivals such as Graspop and Wacken. Not bad, but…

OK, so this is what made me sceptic: "Core elements are combined with thrashy passages and outstanding vocals into an explosive mixture and feeling". Why?  I can't stand anything that ends with core, hardcore, metalcore, deathcore, you name it, its just annoying noise, end of story. But here I am, quite impressed and a bit surprised, this album is actually not bad at all, far from it. The core elements might be there, but they don't stand a chance against the death metal machinery thundering away and destroying everything in its path. Meshuggah-like riffs, deep and outstanding death metal growling, all combined with floating and groovy instrumental parts. I'm basically enjoying just about every minute of it. If this is metalcore or whatever, I might just like it after all?

I could probably add that there are a few riffs and passages here I have heard before, but there usually are on every release these days. But as long as it doesn't feel recycled, I don't care. I mean, come on, most bands let their inspiration shine trough here and there, nothing wrong in that. One more thing, some of the clean vocal choruses might be a bit over the top here and there for some of you, and that's probably the reason for not scoring higher than 4. On the other hand, the clean vocals might be the thing that does it for some of you, who knows. Still, check it out and give it a few spins, you might be surprised.
 
www.myspace.com/lameraband

Rating: 4 / 6
 
Composed by Leif Neverdahl