 Desultory Emerging in the wake of the early 1990s Swedish death metal explosion, Desultory's metal is keen on the influences from regional stalwarts Entombed and Dismember, while applying a higher sense of emotional awareness and thoughtful thematic approach. Melodically intelligent and rhythmically aggressive, Desultory songs identify a balance of atmospheric beauty and persistent energy, resulting in death metal that often sounds and feels slightly less savage in overall affect and personality compared with the common standards of the genre, yet with an increased level of musicality and introspection than what is offered by their inspirations in this field. The music is reaching for something in the way of existential enlightenment through a style of music that has always been more of an outwardly confrontational proposition. Through the murky yet balanced presentation of the Sunlight Studios production, a sound obscure and darkly flowing cloaks this music in shades of grey-morning ambience, and the work as a whole reflects a transience of life, drifting as it does towards the wave of light and fading keyboard that brings a fitting conclusion. Riffs are typical in Swedish morbid groove and elongated structures to supply dramatic succession. It is the lead work that steals the show, however, as emotive leads fill these songs with a great deal of feeling and atmospheric substance. Quite often, these leads share an emotional capacity with those discovered in the more sorrowful doom metal bands, though sped up here to accommodate the often rapid pace at which most of these songs function. Some of the most emotional lead playing ever to take such a prominent role on a death metal recording, they form the core of dramatic event in this music, and take the material to a higher level of atmospheric engagement. Vocals are growled in the standard death metal approach, yet these vocals, while not otherwise very distinguished, are a bit more intelligible than usually the case in this genre, sounding something like Chuck Schuldiner of Death inflected with the ghastly, demonically-enhanced whispered growl of the Swedes. The vocals do provide a parallel dynamic with the lyrics, but are essentially serviceable to the material in a positive manner. The rhythmical nature of this music is relentlessly active and abundant with energy, even during the slower, more atmospheric sections. Bass is refreshingly audible and, particularly during the title track and "Tears", in brief deviation from riff patterns, supply an extra melodic dimension to the music. Spectacular drumming of frantic energy enhances the power of the music with quick, rapid fills, and an expert awareness of tempo dynamic and intuitive understanding of rhythmic development. Similar to Entombed basher Nicke Andersson, Thomas Johnson doesn’t rely on blast-speed drumming or excessive double-bass runs, but rather employs a creative attack on the kit to fill space and power through transitions with alarming urgency. The pace of the music is rapid, yet like most of their fellow countrymen operating in this genre, Desultory find a comfort zone in a speed common to classic Slayer or Sepultura; a fast, thrashing velocity that comes down for dark grooves and moments of crushing despair. "So fragile is it, the flame
of life Aside from the affirmation of mortality and decay that is "Passed Away", Desultory are concerned with questions of the inner self, emotional struggle, the unknown beyond the threshold, and similar introspective matters. The lyrics are well thought out, and display a deeper analysis of the condition of being human and wonder at the infinite mysteries of the universe. Desultory intertwine these concepts in exploration of the meaning of existence, and coming to terms with the darkness of life by way of identifying beauty within it. An early twilight atmosphere streams through this music. It is a kind of death metal that is beautifully melodic and stimulating of thought, yet never forsakes the rawness and aggression of the style. It is clear that Desultory are striving for something in the way of a deeper understanding of the essence of the human being, rather than exploring the typical themes of death metal subject matter. This is felt in the music, which shares a similar ‘striving for something beyond’ as fellow Swedes Nirvana 2002, Eucharist, and early Dark Tranquility. "Silence surrounds me, mind
filled with fear Into Eternity is one of the more overlooked albums form early-90s Swedish death metal. Along with Afflicted’s Prodigal Sun and Eucharist’s A Velvet Creation, this album offers death metal that is clearly a product of regional influence, yet seeks to explore beyond established themes both sonically and conceptually. It is a refreshing, intriguing, and ultimately rewarding listen in both the mechanics of the execution and the feelings generated from the expression. In the realm of intelligently composed, instrumentally exceptional, beautifully atmospheric, and melodically aware death metal of genuine expression, Desultory’s debut, though unassuming on the surface, is a rare gem to be discovered. 1/7/07 Tracklisting: 1. Into Eternity Desultory Discography: From Beyond
(Demo, 1990)
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