THOLUS - CONSTANT - 2007

For those unaware, Goregorecords is a sub-label of Aural Music, which also houses the notable Code666, and specializes in innovative death metal. So fitting it is that the label’s first release in four years, and second overall, is Tholus’s Constant – a tech death platter that recalls the heaviness of Death, Necrophagist, and Gorguts, the finesse of early ‘90s outfits Cynic and Atheist, and the complexity of every unit previously mentioned. Perhaps needless to say, Constant is a good debut that admittedly has the potential to perplex and consequently alienate those who can’t or don’t care to grasp such intricacy. After all, it seems one must work to enjoy this.

Immediately noticeable is Tholus’s affinity for the cosmos, a la Mithras, though the former are more taken with Mars than any other extraterrestrial body. Like the concepts explored within the lyrics, the music of Constant is dense and demanding, requiring concentrated effort to comprehend exactly what’s going on. Dave Murray, who doubles as the everyman growler, is a veritable virtuoso in the drum department, but like Brann Dailor of Mastodon, he would benefit from taking it easy now and then instead of filling songs with as many beats as possible. In fact, some claim that this record is instrumental overkill, that the songs are just too busy. It’s an understandable complaint. It’s fun to marvel at musicianship sometimes, however, and maybe that’s part of this band’s appeal. Still, much of ‘Short Forevers’ isn’t necessarily overloaded – similar to a few others – although ‘Expropriated (The Brooking’s Report),’ ‘Staring Back,’ and ‘Involuntary’ could stand to be simplified, in spite of their eviscerating, redeeming moments. The title track is also formidable once it actually gets up and running.

Again, technical death fiends should obviously check out Constant as it’s a monster of a record in several regards. While the musicianship is supreme, Tholus’s songwriting could use revaluation to a certain extent, which is primarily what prevents yours truly from declaring this a masterpiece. This sets Goregorecords on track as a label to watch, though, with hope for a buy or die follow-up.