After a 7 month break following the release of the excellent
'Memento Mori', Joe Carpenter is back with a new EP, 'The Book Of Red'. And
what can I say? He has finally settled for a style and he does it so well. When
he first began to release under his own name each recording differed in style.
Lately, however, Joe has centered around a blend of death metal and industrial
metal with a touch of black metal to great aplomb and this new release is
perfect evidence of that. 4 songs are on offer, three originals and a cover of
Ministry’s ‘Deity’ so please join me as I do my best to break down this
excellent EP.
‘North Face’ starts off the proceedings and gets right in
your face. Pounding, crushing drums and a Killing Joke-reminiscent bassline
leads the way with some deft rhythm guitar parts. All with a pretty excellently
chaotic lead guitar playing on top. Brings a feeling of facing some hard times
on a small ship struggling in harsh waters, barely staying afloat….or fighting
your way up to the top of Mount Everest!
‘Isonomi’ is next and unleashes a death/black metal feel. It has the foundation
of death but with the ferocity of black. Short, sharp and pretty damned brutal.
The title track follows and takes the tempo down but only a touch. Has more of
the industrial touch and the instrumental mid-section oozes Killing Joke and
Depeche Mode, love it! Great guitar solo as well but I don’t expect anything
less from Joe. The EP ends with a cover of Ministry’s ‘Deity’. Honestly, I’ve
barely listened to Ministry, even though I did see them live one time, so
before passing judgement I did have to check out the original version. What can
I say? Joe does it the way I prefer covers to be…you hear what song it is but
he puts his mark on it, in other words it’s not a straight up copy.
Again, Joe doesn’t disappoint. Instead he unleashes his
creation in full force and leaves no stone unturned. Whether he wears his
emotions on his sleeves or go all out bluntly, it is done at 100% with no half
measures. Excellent, indeed, and please keep it coming, Joe!
-Swedebeast
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