REVIEWS: Furioso
www.deadtide.com (USA)

Forget everything you know about technical death metal. Whatever band you're listening to now that you think is pushing the envelope, whether it's Cryptopsy or Anata or whatever equally amazing band does indeed pale in comparison to the 2003 Furioso opus Pavor has delivered. Formed in 1987, this band does not fuck around, and this record does sound like something 16 years in the making. While most tech bands dazzle with single note lines, Pavor is the first technical band I can recall that decorates their songs with an actual sense of atmosphere (well, Immolation come close). Being tech with chords is not easy, but they do it with ease, and this feat adds an almost black metal feel to the death metal chaos abound. Despite having one guitar player, the techniques used on this record sound like as if they are being filtered through a hoard of six string manglers, and combined with probably the sickest bass performance on recorded audio since Spiral Architect's A Sceptic's Universe, we have quite the beast on our hands.

There is so much to like on this record. The lyrics are audibly growled and tackle actual themes, something sorely lacking in death metal. While the band is disturbingly technical, they do toss in a groovy part every once in a while to hook the listener (such as midway through opener "Inflictor of Grimness") and the band manages to be highly progressive while maintaining an untarnished death metal edge. The title track has a really awesome jazzy break amid the stein-swinging madness, and at times the basswork screams with rock 'n' roll attitude (see "Wroth Volcanic Vent") in between shreds. And knowing theyre so elite, theyve composed a song around a musical code (Dilettante's Dilemma) that can be deciphered to reveal some kind of riddle or sorts, but I lack the musical ear necessary to hear the tones that spell out the answer. I want you to read that last sentence again. Yes, there is a musical code in the song. That is the most mind-bogglingly tech thing ever conceived. And we're all dilettantes because if I can't figure it out, none of you will.

Despite claiming the throne of musical extremism, like Inhumate, this band vows to always be 100% independent. That is musical dedication, which shows the immense heart this band has behind their craft. Go to the website (www.pavor.de) and order 8 copies of their two albums. Tell your friends. Paint a Pavor mural on your local church wall. Do something for this band because the contribution on this record makes any effort you'll do in daily life completely worthless.

J.Hauppa

Standout Tracks: all