The Day Everything Became Nothing
Invention: Destruction

If I had to rely on the band's name to buy their CD, I probably wouldn't be writing this review now; I've seen countless Death Grind bands, some with disgusting names, others with names bordering on the grotesque, but such predictable and foolish names I've seen very rarely. Fortunately, there were already some reviews around that pushed me, not without doubts, to procure the disc in question.

Some define the proposal of these guys as Industrial Grind, but personally, I find it absolutely useless to coin definitions specifically for a band in the absence of a trend. Also because, if we really want to be pedantic, the definition fits better with the Australian Berzerker, compatriots of these The Day Everything Became Nothing. Australians like Blood Duster and Fuck... I'm Dead! (now that's a clever name), the latter a band with which they share one or two members. Beyond questionable categorizations, their music can be defined as Death Grind, very similar in sound to Cock And Ball Torture but without the blatantly Punk undertones of the German band. Some influences from Napalm Death from the period between 1990 and 1996 are also appreciable, namely the moment of their career more inclined towards the most classic and heavy Death.

"Invention: destruction" is an album that always runs at fairly calm and moderate tempos; in short, if we really want to look, there is very little Grind, and what little there is, is expressed only through the short duration of the songs (three minutes for the longest), the little technique needed to play them, and an attitude aimed almost exclusively at pure destruction.

Some say that the album hides subliminal messages and that behind the wall of sound lie committed themes: personally, I haven't read the lyrics, but judging by the song titles, I don't think so. The only difference between this and other bands is that they opted for lapidary titles all formed by monosyllabic verbs (in the imperative?) all very delicate ("Cut", "Burn", "Flay", "Burst", "Crush", "Press” and others I can't remember). I don't know about you, but I don't see this great hermeticism...

From a musical perspective, the discourse changes quite a bit; our guys create a truly enviable wall of sound, "catchy" as you rarely hear, and thankfully/unfortunately without resorting to the usual Porno Gore themes that, although fun, lose their sense in the long run. The guitar sound is nice, plump, round, and heavy as lead; obviously, the final effect is not only due to the excellent mix but also and above all to the riffing, composed specifically to hurt and forged like a mace. Few frills, that's for sure, little (well, very little!) technique but a great intuition in choosing the right notes. There are those songs that, even if they are nothing special, are made with the right riffs placed at the right moment; and that's exactly what our Australians can do.

Behind the drums, we don't find a drum virtuoso, but a guy who doesn't care about the genre's canons (all Blast Beat and crazy speeds) and delivers an incredibly clean performance strictly in Mid Tempo. I want to specify that his instrument is perfectly triggered even if it sometimes takes a back seat (especially the snare) compared to the guitar. The bass is nonexistent, so I won't waste time talking about it. Finally, a mention goes to the vocals, undoubtedly recorded with the help of some electronic gizmo that distorts it, but absolutely adequate for the context. Whatever doubts you have about this band, I repeat that they are very similar to Cock And Ball Torture, only they hit the pedal less (not that the Germans overdo it) and perhaps for this reason, they are even heavier. The songs are bread and butter for all die-hard Headbangers (and not only), real punches in the back that however manage to be not only never self-serving but even fun. The CD's listenability is very good, and despite how it may sound, it slides without friction, making an effect similar to what a Thrash album stuffed with dynamite would have.

If we want to find a flaw with "Invention: destruction" it is the fact of lacking mood and being a tad monotonous (a bit more speed every now and then wouldn't hurt); in short, even if it is enjoyable to listen to and there are no songs to throw away, it doesn't leave significant traces even after multiple listens. Instead, if we want to find a merit, it is its longevity and naturalness: an absolutely transparent album without great ambitions, capable of delivering moments of great impact and, most importantly, not getting boring quickly. The score it receives could easily be rounded up to four stars, but if I think that I also gave four to "Annihilation Of The Wicked" by Nile, I'm sorry, but I have some reservations...