ORCHID

Ahhh, death metal. There's nothing like a bunch of guys playing aggressive heavy guitar licks, while vomiting out lyrics about a subject near and dear to their hearts, like death and Satan. At least I think that's what they are vomiting. It actually sounds more like "BLARRRGH NYAMMEN FLBBBTH SHNAAAHHHH TVOOONEE!"

Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little. But only a little.

I know Opeth is a favorite of some here. I even enjoy some of their music, when they either don't "sing", or show they know what a melody is. And they actually demonstrate some hints of prog here and there, on this album, know more as a pure death metal set. But the throat clearing noises throughout just make this nearly unlistenable.

Two stars, only because the instument playing shows promise.