Label: Independent
Genre: Death Metal
Length: 35:09
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Discovering a debut album is always exciting, especially when it comes from a young band like Ametropia. Formed in 2021 in Pennsylvania (according to Metal Archives), this death metal band's Original Sin is a raw and intense debut album, unleashed independently last July. In eight tracks totalling 35 minutes, they manage to showcase an identity and distinctive soundscape, while drawing on solid influences from the old school of the genre.
From the very first seconds of Erectative Execution, I found myself immersed in an atmosphere worthy of a horror film, thanks to a terribly effective cinematic introduction. It doesn't take long for the band to explode into a flurry of aggressive riffs and frenetic rhythms. What I appreciated throughout the album was their ability to navigate between raw passages and others that were more nuanced. Satanning Booth, for example, reminded me of the energy and spirit of old school death metal, while adding a technical touch that really stood out. The instrumental track Operation Ametropia shows another side of the band, with a complex structure and nuances in the songwritting that testify their musical ability and vision.
The vocals are a central element on this album, and I was particularly impressed by their variety. On tracks like Miasmatic, the influences of bands like Deicide are undeniable, with moments where the vocalist alternates between cavernous gutturality and high-pitched screams. But it's on Fright Night that the vocals, in my opinion, reach their peak. This track, with its frenetic thrash/death rhythms and wrenching screams, reminded me of proto-death metal bands, with a marked influence from albums like Pleasure to Kill by Kreator.
These almost monstrous howls at the end of the track add a visceral dimension. Finally, the cover of Death's The Philosopher, which closes the album, is a bold tribute that delighted me with its respectful yet personal execution.
Among the standout tracks, Satanning Booth, Fright Night and Original Sin stand out for different reasons: raw energy, technical virtuosity and vocal intensity. Original Sin is Ametropia's promising debut album, a skilful blend of tradition and personality. I, for one, enjoyed immersing myself in this universe of sound, and I'm curious to see how they evolve in their next productions.