ABATON - We Are Certainly Not Made of Flesh CD (GATEFOLD)

Abaton's We Are Certainly Not Made Of Flesh marks the first of a two course Italian sonic review meal featuring Post-Metal bands with eyebrow raising album titles. We Are Certainly Not Made Of Flesh is the first I've ever heard of or from these Italians, and I certainly hope it's not the last. Abaton are certainly walking that line between post and sludge. What this means is they're not another Explosions In The Sky act with shimmery instrumental bits that lead to sonic crescendos in a nice, but all-too-familiar structure so overused you have "Friday Night Lights" flashbacks listening to the tunes. No. They run closer to the Minsk side of post. Which means there are lots of the cool more mellow build up pieces? distorted guitars creating waves of feedback over a slinking bassline leading up to the inevitable sonic explosion. Not the clean and shimmery beautiful kind, but grimier, dirtier, more sinister and at times violent burst. The guitar tones, both clean and distorted, as well as the effects sound great. I really love the tone of the bass and enjoy how evident it is in the music. The vocals, a combination of rasped and standard post-it screaming (something I have gone on record as not being particularly fond of) were initially offputting my first trip through the album, but annoyed me far less on repeated listens while my attention was focused on the cool shit everyone else was doing. "IV" also features a guest appearance from Sean Worrell of Nero Di Marte. The result is a great combination. The album is one that appeals to me both cerebrally as well as viscerally. And it's a bit of a grower, pulling me in a little bit more with each listen. Well worth your time checking out if you are into that whole thing. - Metalstorm.net