the death metal of VASTUM (U.S.): Patricidal Lust (20 Buck Spin)

Vastum (U.S.): Patricidal Lust (20 Buck Spin)

Death metal has become so compartmentalized that if two people say that they are into death metal, it most likely does not mean anything, given that bands often are in completely different areas of sound, reflecting a particular style of a year or the generational divide between the various definitions or approximations of the words “death metal.” Since this is the case, Vastum has decided to play death metal in the original sense of the word. Standing somewhere between the rough and direct vibe of Autopsy and the midtempo stylings of Bolt Thrower, this album “Patricidal Lust” is very effective in the type of songs that the listener can feel. What this means is: it’s not about impressing the listener with overwhelming speed or the latest gadgets in recording technology. The objective is not to wow the listener, rather the goal is to feel this death metal in the body and mind. The guitar goes a pace that the listener can easily understand, and headbang. The vocals are deep and gruff, and not “freaky” or “weird,” that way you can quickly join in, and since the vocals are completely incomprehensible, you can just make up your own caveperson sounds and it’s all good. The drums are played at a pace that your heartbeat can understand. Things like innovation or gimmicks are overrated, according to Vastum, and what is important is death metal songs that make you want to move. At bottom, this album is for listeners that have been around the block, deathmetalwise, and who at this point enjoy a band that does not crowd the songs with too many unnecessary things. To paraphrase Angus Young talking about the goals of AC/DC, Vastum just wants to be a good death metal band. Don’t let the modesty fool you, though, it takes years for a band to learn to write death metal that sounds this experienced.

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