UMUR
"Just Human" is the debut full-length studio album by Danish metal act Lob of Lemmings. The album was released through TBA Records in 1993. Lob of Lemmings was a relatively short lived act and "Just Human" was their sole album release.
The music on the 13 track, 53:29 minutes long album is a relatively technical type of thrash metal, but it´s not regular thrash metal by any means. Voivod is an obvious influence and Lob of Lemmings have a similar wild and punked attitude to their delivery as the Canadians. There are also some really heavy, almost doomy parts on "Just Human", so all in all it´s a pretty varied release (there´s even a dissonant saxophone part present on the album). It´s the dark and nightmarish atmosphere that really provides the music with an extra spice though. Sometimes they sound like they are experiencing a really bad trip or something in that vein. It´s a pretty unpleasant and disturbing atmosphere.
Lob of Lemmings are a well playing act, and while most tracks are structurally simple, the band still manage to provide them with a semi-progressive edge and some technical playing, which ensure that the tracks are interesting throughout. Lead vocalist Roar Skan Olsen hasn´t got the most distinct sounding voice, but his delivery is passionate, raw, and suits the music well.
The sound production is raw, dark and powerful. It suits the equally dark and raw music well. So "Just Human" is both well played, well produced and for the most part well written too. It´s intriguing how these guys don´t follow conventions and obviously play exactly what they feel like playing at any given moment. While there are precision playing and sharp interplay between all involved, there is still a loose "Fuck You" attitude to the proceedings that´s greatly charming. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.