Assimilator - S/T Review

Metal music never ceases to surprise and amaze me. When I start a new week’s release I always look for the album that amzes me the most at first. Look for the music that pleases me and gives me the thrills. Most weeks this is piece of cake. Real easy peasy. On the other hand, there are weeks that this task is really difficult. Ok, I know today is a thrusday, but, in fact, the week of September 16th is starting for me today.

There are many ways for a band to impress me. It’s not that difficult, if you know what I mean. One of the most efficient way is to trigger my musical memory. Bands that bring me memories are the ones trhat easily trigger my memory and the ones that will get an enthusiastic review. Fair enough, isn’t it? Of course, it is. We write better about what we appreciate. Assimilator with their self-tittled album got me because their vocalist in many moments reminds me about Cirith Ungol’s Tim Baker. And when I say reminds me the vocals give the goose bumps. Al right, I know I’ve said this before – have I? But this time is for real – were the others not for real? Welcoming track “Slave” kicked off all the remembrances with its the growls. But it was the following track “Burial Hymns” that make it more impressing. If I were to close my eyes I would think it was the Ungol. Right, but is this the only thing that Assimilitor have to offer? No, my child of the night. Interestingly, this is the thing that gives them their uniqueness. Ok, a paradox I admit. However, listening to the instrumentals and the vocals the fan will feel the way I do. Vocals here are a bit harsher than Tim Baker’s. The difference is the instrumentals that vary more than Cirith Ungol’s as Assimilator play more modern stuff. However, on the other side of the coin, the combination of instrumentals and vocals it’s the old school approach that gives the band its peculiar personality. There is one track that goes a little bit out of the road with some punk influence on the guitars. “Like Whispers Singing” sounds a bit off the album. On the band’s behalf, I really like when a track goes a little bit off.

By the way, it’s never too late to say that Assimilator have an interesting story. The band is comprised of the remains of former members of Death on Fire combined with the influences of In Flames and Obituary. Well, from where I’m standing they forgot to say Cirith Ungol. Just saying.

Assimilator S/T will be released on September 16th.

Track Listing: