DAWN OF ASHES - Genocide Chapters CD Review

ARTIST: Dawn Of Ashes
TITLE: Genocide Chapters
YEAR: 2010
LABEL: Metal Blade
REVIEWED BY: Caroline Restiaux

Dawn Of Ashes has been around since 2001 sharing brutal visions and hatred sounds with the world. The band hails from Los Angeles, California so it's no wonder they are so theatrical. Genocide Chapters is their 3rd full length album but first with Metal Blade who they just signed with earlier this year. I have to admit that this was a great step for the band and this release is nothing less then spectacular. It is able to give you a visual just through the sound itself.

They have brushed aside their more industrial sound and have turned their music into something brutal and more extreme. It was a great move for the band in my opinion however I am into Metal and not so much electronic stuff. It is a collection of songs that you won't tire of easily because of it's diversity. The arrangements are different, vocals vary and the riffs are diverse. The music is very melodic and based on horror culture and disturbing content what more could you want in extreme metal? Sure they have kept their keyboards but Black Metal bands use them and these guys know what they are doing when it comes to blending in the keys. The cd is full of punch and darkness and has its share of catchy riffs. When it comes to vocals there is a combination of lower pitched growls and throaty rasps that are well delivered. I can't say that I have a favorite song on the album because they each offer something a little different from the next. The average song clocks in at around 4 minutes with a 2 minute instrumental "Reanimation of the Dark Ages" which is not a bad tune either.

Hopefully having signed on to Metal Blade the band will get the coverage they rightfully deserve. The band until now has been a hidden jem and I fully expect that they will explode on to the scene and dominate with their musical talents. Keep in mind that this is a band that was already one of the best in the industrial scene and have converted over to the metal one with such ease and quality. I am really looking forward to seeing them on tour with Dimmu Borgir and Enslaved this winter. This is a cd that you shouldn't think about whether or not to buy, don't hesitate just get it!

TRACKLISTING:

01. Conjuration of the Maskim's Black Blood
02. Nyarlathotep's Children of the Void
03. Seething the Flesh in the River of Phlegethon
04. Transformation within Fictional Mutation
05. The Ancient Draining Room
06. Reanimation of the Dark Ages
07. London's Anthem for the Pleasure of Mutilation
08. Sacrilegious Reflection
09. God-Like Demon
10. Carnal Consummation in the Empty Space
11. Epilogue-Beginning of the End