Ulcerate — Vermis
Ulcerate's approach on Vermis is challenging all over. Other than two sub three minute pieces, the songs are 6-7+ minutes in length. Normally, this is a red flag for me, but, being the hypocrite I am, I like it on Vermis. The reason is simple; instead of pounding, standard death, Ulcerate needs time for the complex arrangements to take hold and elevate their songs above the rest of the field. This is evidenced in the solid, heavy builds, long, engaging breakdowns, and an abundance of tempo changes. Not surprising, the Kiwi Threepee is heavy and fast (when they want). The guitars range from nice and harmonic to sparse and dissonant. The bass is deep and the vocals are mean and reminiscent of David Vincent on his best day. For me, though, the highlight is the drumming. Jamie Saint Merat knows his way around a drum kit, and it shows. Whether it's blistering blast beats or inspiring tours across the toms, Jamie never fails to disappoint. These boys have skills and aren't afraid to show 'em off.
"Confronting Empathy" has a heavy, brash guitar beginning that skates on top of a blazing drum lesson. The tempo changes draw you in, but the spectacle is the awesomely fast, tight, and adaptive drumming. Tempos and drums are the highlight and this is displayed really well on "The Imperious Weak." Another slow beginning whets the appetite before getting technical and progressive. Ironically, in their most atypical death metal song, they play some of the most traditional death metal bits. They're brief, but they're there (and fun). Furthering their split from tradition, "Cessation" plays like a doom song with death drumming. The difference some skins make, eh?
Vermis is an excellent album. It's dark and heavy without being oppressive. This is due to the restraint and talent of the boys in Ulcerate. Vermis is a perfect example of how death metal can be brutal without being all out punishing or tuned to ridiculous levels. Creativity is still the key to interesting music. Ulcerate is a force to be reckoned with.