Human Infection - Curvatures In Time - Album Review

Year: 2014

To a person who is not into metal, death metal may appear to be one of the most obscure and underground genres of music. But to a person seasoned in the art of metal, it is general knowledge that death metal is of the most common genres in metal today with most of today’s bands opting to play it. The genre has grown so much in terms of the number of bands playing it, that there are a very few avenues left to explore within it. Most of the options and variations have been explored by bands in the past. So why exactly should one listen to another death metal band, if its all been done before? I cant speak for most bands. But in the case of Human Infection’s new album, I can point out a number of reasons why you must check them out.

Hailing from Roanoke, Virgina, USA, Human Infection is yet another band that plays the genre of death metal. 2012 saw Human Infection’s debut album, titled ‘Infest to Ingest’. Now two years later, the band is all set to release the follow up, titled ‘Curvatures in Time’, on Blast Head Records.

Right from the first few notes of the opener, ‘Celestial’, influences of old school greats like Suffocation are evident in their sound. The music of the band can be described as an amalgamation of the technicality of Suffocation, the brutal edge of Cannibal Corpse and the hooking nature of Obituary. One of the main reasons that this album sounds good, is the abundant number of hooks that this band lays out. This is one of those rare modern death metal bands who make their riffs memorable and not instantly forgettable.

Speed is another thing that works in the band’s favour. No time is wasted in unnecessary segments and the band goes straight for the kill. The generally fast tempo of songs and amount of material in each song, ensures that the listener is not left unsatisfied. C.J.Giles makes it look simple, with the numerous fills and variations he offers from behind the drum kit. Guitarist Andrew Mathews makes good use of the tempo, as he unleashes a great amount of riffs that almost sound technical at certain points.

Vocalist Andrew Brown has barking style of vocal delivery which carry slight resemblances to John Tardy of Obituary. It must also be noted that Andrew’s vocals are quite easy to decipher, which I feel is a pro. Hank James’s bass work is tight, but it could have been made a little more audible. It is refreshing to hear a band that is not all about the gore and blood. Though the lyrics are not completely devoid of it, there are various different themes explored lyrically, like religion, celestial cosmos etc.

The production allows all the elements to breathe and the harsh edge provides an added advantage to the band. Summing up, this album is something I would recommend for the following reasons: music that sounds like a mash up of all the old school legends, tight delivery, the fast drumming and the semi technical riffs and most importantly, the sheer number of hooks.

Pick up ‘Curvatures in Time’ when it comes out on the 11th of February. Though it may not be entirely new, it is sure to offer a fun listen.

P.S. I would buy the CD just for that beautifully grotesque album art by Mark Cooper!

Rating: 89%