Atavism - _Demo 2005_
by: Quentin Kalis (3 out of 5)
Atavism is defined in the online Oxford English Dictionary as "resemblance to grand-parents or more remote ancestors rather than to parents; tendency to reproduce the ancestral type in animals or plants." Few other potential band names could be as apt for this Australian duo, whose straightforwardly named debut recording heralds a return to the primitive and uncompromising black metal sound of old -- no concessions to keyboards or folkloric elements are to be found here!

However, I get the feeling that the four constituent songs on this demo were recorded at different periods, as suggested by the varying levels of production. For example, the first song is buried under an unnecessary mountain of fuzz, yet the fourth and final track is noticeably clearer sounding -- albeit still possessing the rawness demanded by the genre.

The band's greatest asset is quite possibly the vocalist, whose voice drips with the requisite amount of venom and malice across all four tracks. Interestingly for a band of this nature, one of their guitarists is listed as "Fiona" -- a woman playing guitar in a black metal band, as opposed to backing vox, keyboards or some folk instrument is still as rare as a female "Star Trek" fan.

Overall, it's not a bad start to their embryonic career, although the varying production does hinder enjoyment.

Contact: http://www.atavism.com.au

(article published 22/8/2006)


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