MP3: Deathbed - Neon light fantasy
Mention the name Deathbed and you're likely to hear "the bed that eats (people)?" Thank you Patton Oswalt! However, the Deathbed I'm talking about today comes from Finland and play raging hardcore in the vein of Converge. Somehow I doubt that Patton is a fan, though I suppose anything is possible. Anyhow, like I said, Deathbed are a Finnish hardcore act and, unlike a lot of bands I hear coming out of that scene, are neither part of the toughguy scene (see Fullhouse Records) nor are they all that rock'n'roll (ala many of the bands on Combat Rock Industry). Instead, they go for a rawer, more straight-up brutal sound. The recording is super thick and heavy, but the riffs are far more d-beat than metal. It's also quite assuredly modern - note that I initially compared them to Converge, not any Dis-bands of yore. They toss a few subtle harmonies in here and there and are just as apt to indulge in dissonant doom parts as they are to break into a punishing breakdown. They keep things straightforward enough (~80% of the songs are in the 2-2:30 range), but every once in a while will hit you with something unexpected that'll make you take notice, whether it's some subtle cymbal work or something like the atmospheric instrumental "CXVI". On the minus side, the lyrics are unexceptional and the record lacks dynamics, so it doesn't stand up well to repeated listens. Still, I appreciate what they're doing and there's no denying that these dudes put some serious rage into their music. I can always appreciate that.
Deathbed - Neon light fantasy