I’ve been a massive fan of death metal for years now as I’ve been slowly introducing myself to more and more of it so I can truly understand what the entirety of the genre is about. Yet despite my efforts, I’ve not thought about the progressive part of the style that has a clear presence. I’ve always stayed more towards simpler bands like Cannibal Corpse and Feared, but today I wanted to shake things up. To say that Dark Waters End achieved that for me would be an understatement, and their first full-length is quite the morsel.
Technical death metal is by far nothing that I’m a stranger to, but when progressive death metal is something that I’m not really acquainted with. Sure, I’ve encountered bands like Azooma that incorporate a few progressive elements to spice things up, but I’ve never really heard a band that takes it all the way. Dark Waters End’s first go at a full-length album is what I would call full-on prog-death metal, but it’s pretty fucking close. “Submersion” takes inspiration from literally all over the board as we’re given bits of progressive elements, core for those of you who aren’t allergic to it, a technicality to bring a special flavor of heaviness, and an overall raw feel that allows Dark Waters End to really emphasize the death in death metal. The whole of “Submersion” comes together to form an album that’s not only interesting to listen to but it’s also interesting to see how this band approaches their first full-length. They bring an incredible sense of pacing that’s not only monstrous but also adventurous as you can feel Dark Waters End explore different styles and incorporate their many influences into “Submersion” to create a feel that’s not only intense but also fun to listen to. You can really tell that Dark Waters End approached this record to have a good time with not only making it, but playing it because no two songs are the same and all these flavors come together very nicely to form a tasteful album overall.
Any band has a lot to prove fo themselves when it comes to their first full-length album. The ensuing material can either make or break a band depending on what happens afterward, and Dark Waters End definitely succeeded when it comes to “Submersion”. The record is far from perfect, but damn if it isn’t a promising one that’s a clear showcase of talent.
LISTEN to “Submersion” on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Dark Waters End on Facebook here.
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