UMUR
"Totems Within" is the fourth demo recording by Finnish thrash/death metal act Phlegethon. The demo was independently released in the autumn of 2006. The material from "Totems Within" is included on the January 2010 "Drifting in the Crypt" (Xtreem Music) compilation album. Phlegethon´s initial run was from 1988-1992. They shortly reunited in 1995, recorded a promo tape and then disbanded again. During the first two runs they started out playing raw and aggressive thrash metal, then drifted towards an eclectic death metal style, and then to death´n´roll/melodic death metal. So when Lasse Pyykkö as the only original member decided to ressurect Phlegethon again in 2006, it was anyone´s guess what music style the band would play.
As it turns out Pyykkö has opted to play a relatively fast-paced and energetic thrash metal style but with melodic death metal leanings and with more regular shouting vocals, rather than the caustic snarls of the past. This can therefore not be compared to the first two legendary Phlegethon demos. The band have grown and evolved and they are obviously aiming for something which hints at their early days, but still incorporate other elements too. It´s a fairly successful move, and "Totems Within" is certainly their best release since the June 1990 "Neutral Forest" demo. That doesn´t mean it´s a fantastic release by any means though, as it´s first and foremost not a release which screams that it´s Phlegethon playing, and secondly it doesn´t feature a particularly unique sound.
It´s a well produced demo featuring a clear, powerful, and detailed sound production which suits the material well, but upon conclusion this is a pretty standard quality thrash metal release and a 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.