UMUR
"Traumatisme" is the first demo release by Canadian death metal act Spasme. The demo was independently released on cassette tape in 1995. Spasme formed in 1994 and released this demo (and an almost identical demo in 1999 titled "Deep Inside"), and their debut full-length studio album "Deep Inside" in 2000 before disbanding in 2002.
The material on the 6 track, 20:43 minutes long demo is technical and relatively brutal death metal. The growling vocals are expressive and aggressive but also intelligible, and generally a great asset to the band´s sound. Spasme are a technically very well playing band, and especially the drumming by Jocelyn Beaupre is quite impressive. The material is relatively catchy for music this brutal, and although this isn´t the most unique sounding release in the genre, Spasme have something a little different to them, which makes this a promising first release. Breaks, tempo changes, and brutal riffs and vocals (and an audible and quite busy bass), but also short atmospheric parts which work as breathers. There´s even the use of keyboards at the end of "Secte" and "Sickly Deranged", which are only used for a few seconds, but still to great effect.
"Traumatisme" features what I´d characterize as a good demo quality sound production. It´s clear enough to hear all details, but still sounds a little like it´s recorded in the room next door. Upon conclusion it´s a pretty impressive demo release, and if the sound production had been just slightly better sounding, my rating would probably have been a little higher, as the music is very interesting and effectful. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.