Thecodontion/ Ceremented — Split

Thecodontion and Ceremented are a pair of experimental metal outfits from Italy and the USA, respectively.  Each has contributed just shy of fifteen minutes of music for this split release on I, Voidhanger Records.  The style could be described as progressive, experimental metal of diverse flavors.

This release is deeply unusual in the metal world, in that it contains no conventional six-string guitars.  Both bands contain bass guitarists, but neither has a lead.  Thecodontion, an Italian band known for song topics about prehistory and geological periods, leads with symphonic synthesizer leads with strong influence from prog rock and viking metal.  Ceremented has two bassists, and no instruments playing in the higher registers.

Thecodontion is first on the bill, with three majestic midtempo tunes that should appeal to fans of groups like Summoning, or older Katatonia.  The stately, processional style is on the lighter, folkier side of black metal, weaving a rich tapestry of tonality and expressing more sadness than anger.  The bassist plays quite aggressively in places to cover the lack of lead guitar, and the metallic 'clank' of their aggressive picking and strumming is satisfying.  The thoughtful harmonies and ancient feeling melodies remind me of Cynic sometimes, achieving their intended esoteric qualities.

Ceremented's half begins with an ominous howl of distorted wind, instantly striking contrast to the cosmic progressive themes of the 1st half.  This sound is truly filthy, a mass of grimy, thick high gain tone that seems to invite the shadows.  The vocals are a hellish murmur that seems to resonant from the inside of a cave.  With two bassists, complex riffs would not be easily discernable, so the band goes for sheer groove and plodding, beastly groove.  Rather than black or progressive metal, this half of the release is firmly in the realm of doom, or possibly the slower end of death metal: bands like Obituary, songs like Morbid Angel's "Where the Slime Lives".  The songs here are basic, but that isn't really the point; the tone itself is so glorious I imagine I will return to it for this reason alone, many times.

This split release presents two widely contrasted sounds, but as a fan of many metal styles, this isn't a problem for me.  Both bands present something fresh, expressive and straight to the point.  The thoughtful cosmic melodies of Thecodontion are a lovely contrast to the sheer evil and stomping power of Ceremented.  I'd gladly listen to a full album by either band.