CoC : Sceptic - Unbeliever's Script : Review

Sceptic - _Unbeliever's Script_
(Empire Records, 2003)
by: Brian Meloon (8 out of 10)

This is the third full-length offering from Poland's Sceptic, and follows much in the vein of their previous releases: a blend of death metal and thrash with melodic and technical touches. The riffs are a mix of styles, from fast tremolo-picked sections to individual-note lines to dissonant chords, and a few others. This variety allows most of the songs to have their own feel, yet there are enough similarities between the songs to hold the album together. There are some very cool riffs here, but they're few and far between. Most of the riffs are average to above-average, but the band changes them pretty frequently, so even the average riffs don't get boring. And although "intricate" isn't exactly a word I'd use to describe most of their music, they do throw in a nice subtle or progressive touch every once in a while, just to keep things interesting. The playing is very tight but is missing some of the technicality of their previous releases. It's generally less hectic and some of the tracks (in particular "Controlled by Mind" and "Waves of Destruction") seem unnecessarily slow. Vocals are a mid-register growl; they fit the music, but aren't really exceptional in any respect. The guitars are very well done, even the guitar solos, which are tasteful and appropriate. The bass is quite good, and plays a prominent part in the music, which is nice to hear for a change. The drumming is excellent: technical and busy without being distracting. Ultimately, this is a quite good release, even if there are a few songs which drag. The band has recently inked a three album deal with Candlelight, who plan on releasing this album more broadly. This is good news for fans of technical death metal, as this has been a hard disc to get ahold of.

Contact: http://www.sceptic.metal.pl

(article published 31/3/2004)

ALBUMS
12/8/2001	P Azevedo	8	Sceptic - Pathetic Being