Confusion was amok upon viewing the tracklisting for Manifested Darkness. Revel in Flesh (the band) have a song called “Revel in Flesh,” which is the same song title used by Entombed way back in 1990 on Left Hand Path. Was the band audacious enough to start their album with a cover song? And if so, could it hang with the rollicking original? ‘Twas not to be – Revel in Flesh named a song after themselves, going for the ultimate homage to one’s own existence, which appropriately came by way of another band’s existence.
Formed to pay tribute to the early 90’s classic style of European death metal (see usual suspects: Entombed, Dismember, Grave, et al), Revel in Flesh sound more in tune with their influences than trying to create anything of substance. This doesn’t mean there’s nothing of worth here – “Deathmarch” has warped opening lead, coupled by some well-managed Barnes-styled gurgled vocals. You know who the band looked to for “The Maggot Colony,” going as far as to have a snare four-count signal the beginning of the song…total Cannibal Corpse style. Furthermore, “Twisted Mass of Blunt Decay” sounds like it was culled from the b-roll of Tomb of the Mutilated, sounding totally Tampa.
There are numerous occasions where bands get too caught up in what they like, as opposed to finding a way to create something of worth. Manifested Darkness is obviously one of those instances. Here’s a tip: Thinking for yourself can be fun!
http://revelinflesh.jimdo.com/