UMUR
"Programmed to Consume" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US, California based death metal act Abysmal Dawn. The album was released through Relapse Records in May 2008. Abysmal Dawn were formed in late 2003 and released a well received demo in 2004 before signing to Crash Music Inc. for the release of their debut full-length studio album "From Ashes (2006)". From there they gained the attention of Relapse Records, who signed them for a multible album deal. There´s been one lineup change since "From Ashes (2006)" as Michael Cosio has been hired as a permanent solution for the bassist position replacing session player Mike Bear.
The music on the album pretty much continues down the same technically well played death metal path which was initiated on "From Ashes (2006)". There are few signs of development, but as the music on the debut album was more or less an effective and well played package, the band probably didn´t feel the need to change a winning formula. That also means that the issue I had with the debut album and it´s lack of originality is also an issue on "Programmed to Consume". Abysmal Dawn write and play well sounding and instantly enjoyable death metal, but the material is generally not that memorable after the album is over. And that has a lot to do with the band lacking a personal sound.
"Programmed to Consume" is well produced (slightly more raw sounding than the debut, which suits the band´s music well), and overall it´s another quality death metal release by Abysmal Dawn. So if you enjoy technically well played US death metal, "Programmed to Consume" is a recommendable release. I still think Abysmal Dawn lack the defining songwriting skills to make them stand out in the genre, but other than that "Programmed to Consume" is a great quality release and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.