CoC : Dementia - Answer : Review

Dementia - _Answer_
(Kaly Productions, 1998)
by: David Rocher (8.5 out of 10)

Dementias' previous album, _In Core of the Dark Ages_, despite being plagued with feeble sound, was a reasonably convincing demonstration of the fine brand of atmospheric death metal this talented French six-piece have to offer; their new CD, _Answer_, picks up where _ICotDA_ left off, greatly adding depth, variety and technicality to Dementia's already praiseworthy style. An amazing amount of creativity literally oozes from this band, as their music switches from melodic speeding blast-beat sequences to rushing axe attacks underlined by thunderous double-bass antics and calm passages somewhat reminiscent of Pink Floyd -- all this clearly showing the potential that lies within these versatile musicians. Firstly, _Answer_ is technically impressive, offering beautiful guitar leads, an impressive display of skin-bashing, and great rhythmic riffing -- for which the jaw-dropping version of "The Flight of the Bumblebee", converted into an incredible high speed riff, stands as an example. Secondly, this album has more depth to it than many so-called "atmospheric" bands can ever hope to create; the fine use of inspired keyboard-driven orchestrations brings a touch of aether to sharp walls of raging electrified strings, thus creating Dementia's very personal blend of violent metal, that lies somewhere between Carcass at _Heartwork_ times, Coroner in their _Mental Vortex_ years and present-day fine death metal combos such as Dark Tranquillity... nothing less!

(article published 19/11/1998)