DISMAL LAPSE

Formerly known as THE BLED (had to change the name because of that other band),DISMAL LAPSE kicks off its partnership with Deepsend Records by delivering a five-song, 18-minute EP of technically proficient, memorable death metal that should please just about any fan of the genre. You may have even seen them at a show on the Underground Alliance Tour with label mates EMBRYONIC DEVOURMENT and INSIDIOUS DECREPANCY earlier this year. "The Nameless Faceless" works as a nice pick-me-up when you're feeling blue or as accompaniment for your job in the Street Department busting up concrete with a jackhammer.

A modern mix with a ton of riff crunch and rhythm section crispness, "The Nameless Faceless" features tech-death intricacy that at times reminds of NILE, yet the songs are written in a more traditional format. Hence, choruses can actually be recognized and the band does not spend an inordinate amount of time drawing things out, instead picking a direction and sticking to it. "Red Snow, Cold Steel" and the title track are particularly memorable, thanks to choruses that approach catchy. The former in particular marries a quick paced, brutal verse with a mid-tempo chorus during which a melancholy lead floats through the mix, as alternating deep growls and sadistic scream vocals nail down the pattern.

Overall, on "The Nameless Faceless" the listener is treated to dangerous guitar strafing, dexterous drumming, and strong arrangement shifts, including a notable switch during the title track when a monster riff stabs and slashes. It is one of those moments for which you wait every time the song is played. DISMAL LAPSE may not have cornered the market (yet),but they've created a solid piece of work with "The Nameless Faceless".