Search - Zyklon :: Disintegrate

Zyklon returns with a release that walks the middle ground.

Justin Bean | Ann Arbor, MI | 06/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Here's where I stand regarding Zyklon. I am aware of the accomplishments of members Samoth and Trym, both of whom helped to make Emperor into the all-star of black metal, and therefore I gave Zyklon the benefit of the doubt after they released "Aeon," which I was quite disappointed with, and purchased "Disintegrate," hoping, as it were, that they would have more or less reverted back to their unique black metal/death metal hybrid style heard on the marvelous "World Ov Worms." "Aeon" was certainly more `brutal' and `pummeling' than the grinding "World Ov Worms," but I also found it to be, in the simplest term, boring. "Disintegrate" is somewhere between "Aeon" and "World Ov Worms" as far as the style and evolution of Zyklon goes. It is certainly faster than "Aeon," but still more down-tuned and chug-laden than "World of Worms". It follows that I like "Disintegrate" more than "Aeon" but less than "World of Worms".



I never doubt the musical capabilities of Zyklon. They are tight, highly competent musicians, and their songs are generally well constructed and more or less interesting. On this, their newest release, Zyklon is treading familiar ground. Trym has decided to bring back the blast beats--not that they were missing on "Aeon," but they're certainly more prevalent on "Disintegrate"--and the fret-sliding, rhythmically intriguing guitar work that appeared on both Zyklon's previous releases is in full force. The quality of the recording is equivalent to that heard on "Aeon," meaning that the production is heavy and clear with lots of guitar chunk and thick, triggered drums a la your average death metal record. I personally prefer the production on "World Ov Worms" which was more in line with a black metal sound than death metal. This might have something to do with what has changed the most about Zyklon's sound over their three-album catalogue.



What does "Disintegrate" offer as far as progress and experimentation? There are plenty of guitar solos and mid-paced thrash sections that deserve mentioning. Perhaps neither are new to Zyklon, but both are better-written into the songs and feature more prominently than on prior recordings. The songs on "Disintegrate" seem to flow more freely than anything on "Aeon" and are certainly more interesting in their composition. The fleeting melody factors here and their on the album, and when accompanied by Odd Tony's throaty vocals--which, I must add, pale in comparison to Vidar's work on "World of Worms"--create energized moments that stand out.



In summary, if you enjoyed "Aeon" you'll certainly enjoy "Disintegrate". You'll immediately recognize Zyklon, and more brooding tracks such as "A Cold Grave" will make you feel right at home. If you're like me, however, and found yourself wishing that Zyklon hadn't strayed so far from their work on "World of Worms," you will have to take caution with this release. As I said, it sits somewhere between their previous two albums. I am certainly not disappointed with "Disintegrate," but when a band makes such a killer debut (I should really shut up about "World OV Worms," but I can't) it is hard not to compare everything to their finest hour.

"

Another awsome album!

Steven Westfall | ripley west virgina | 07/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you liked the other two albums you'll like this one too. I find Zyklon's lyrical subject matter to be thought provoking. Full of disgust for humanity and its no wonder music like this doesnt get more popular it speaks of the truths in humanity or the lack there of humanity and people dont like the truth. Ignorance is bliss but then again i think that most people that listen to this music and others like it and comprehend it is amongst the few people who are truly sane in this world of trends and sheep."

Predictable

Chet Fakir | DC | 11/07/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"If Aeon wasn't enough to let you know who was the creative force behind Emperor here's the absolute proof that Ihsaan was the man and Samoth, well..., wasn't. This cd is, to put it simply, boring. Yeah it's full of head crushing riffs and manic drumming courtesy of Trym but so what? Zyklon cover no new ground. They aren't doing anything they haven't done before except rely too often on death metal cliches we've heard regurgitated time and time again by a million other bands. By the third song it's very apparent that Zyklon have nothing left to say. They sound played out. Now a band doesn't have to be musically original to be good if they have that emotional kick, that shot to the back-brain, but Disintegrate just leaves me cold in a heard-it-all-before kind of way. I've been to that "room" many times before and you know what? It's gotten old. Get World Ov Worms instead and forget the rest."