CoC : Himsa - Death Is Infinite : Review

Himsa - _Death Is Infinite_
(Revelation Records, 2002)
by: Adam Lineker (5.5 out of 10)

The first impressions created by Himsa smack strongly of hardcore with a decidedly raw production, created mostly by fuzzy guitars riffing over treble-heavy drums. They soon work in some metallic features, with solo lead rolling over the top of the main structure. Working in regular sample work between the songs, Himsa are able to keep the momentum running strong. The fixed mood for _Death Is Infinite_ is that of aggression, mostly embodied by vocalist John Pettibone, whose shouted vocals occasionally drop hints of the spazcore peddled by Macabre and their ilk. The song writing is sound enough and there are moments when Himsa succeed in grabbing your attention. Unfortunately _Death Is Infinite_ is a shoddy and ill-conceived release. There are only four studio tracks and one live track, badly stuck on the end of the album and edited in such a way that one could be forgiven for not noticing its inclusion; it rears its ugly head only after half a minute of silence. The length of the album is a major failing of _Death Is Infinite_. It can be ventured that had this release been a full-length album it could have been a credit to Himsa's name, but, as it is, it leaves the listener no time to appreciate the message or direction of the band; indeed what little we can gain is only vague, even after multiple playings. The momentum Himsa create through their performance and attitude is unfortunately lost as the listener is rudely jolted into silent dissatisfaction. I have found in the past that EPs can do this, but it has to be said that even when taking the nature of the release into account, Himsa still lack identity.

Contact: http://www.himsa.org

(article published 16/3/2003)