UMUR
"Hive of Mutation" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Portland, Oregon based death metal act Demisery. The album was self-released by the band in November 2011. The band are a two-piece consisting of Keith Merrow (Guitars, Bass, Drums) and Gord Olson (Guitars, Drums, Vocals).
The music on the album is firmly rooted in the early nineties death metal scene taking inspiration from both the European and the US scenes. The music is well played, well composed and well produced and if you are interested in the style "Hive of Mutation" is certainly a recommended listen. It´s so and so with the originality of the material, but the delivery is damn convincing and that´s always the most important thing in my book. While the music is certainly well played and the musicianship solid, the music on "Hive of Mutation" is predominantly "old school" and simple in style and not technical, so it´s interesting that the band have chosen to include a cover of "Flattening of Emotions" by Death, which is a track on the more technical side of death metal. Something they by the way pull off with conviction. Another track that stands out a bit from the rest is the closing 8:02 minutes long "Whisper Thy Judgement", which explores a slightly more doomy death metal sound, which suits the band well.
All in all "Hive of Mutation" is a quality release and fans of early nineties death metal should be able to find lots to like here. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.